A detailed assessment process shortlisted local construction company Moretto Building Pty Ltd, who intends on sourcing trades for the project locally.
The stadium will include two modern courts with seating that can support a range of sports, as well as meeting rooms, umpire rooms, changing rooms, offices, a canteen and more.
Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM said a highly competitive and rigorous multistage procurement process ensured council attracted a strong field of interest from 11 construction firms.
“This is a much-anticipated project for the Yarrawonga community,” Dr Emonson said.
“It will provide modern, inclusive facilities that will benefit locals for generations to come.
“This will not only support our local sporting clubs, but also create more opportunities for regional events and tournaments,” he said.
The Yarrawonga Multisport Stadium (YMS) aims to provide a state-of-the-art facility for year-round sports and activities, catering to all ages, abilities, and interests.
The recommended tender submission from Moretto Building Pty Ltd, valued at $12,477,540 million ex GST, is within the overall project budget $16.2 million ex GST.
When incorporated into the total projects cost model, it allows the project team to retain an adequate contingency plan for addressing any potential cost escalations without impacting council.
After extraordinary growth within basketball popularity among the community, Yarrawonga Mulwala Basketball Association President Clancy Bigger said, “it’s been a long time coming”.
“When we go around to other associations and towns and see their facilities and see what our kids are pushing up against in terms of having the same opportunities, it's emotional,” she said.
Ms Clancy further commented that having such a facility built would enable the association to host tournaments which could boost the community’s economy.
For Sue Bigger, it’s been 31 years since she and other members of the association first canvassed support for a new stadium.
“There have been a lot of twists and turns over the last 30 plus years, and it's great that it’s finally coming to fruition,” Ms Bigger said.
Director of Moretto Building, Frank Moretto said having the opportunity to build the stadium is “a great community project to pick up”.
“We've got plenty of local trades on board,” he added.
Mr Moretto said once the design and approvals are complete, construction will start immediately.
Moretto Building is a privately owned and operated building firm that has delivered construction services across regional Victoria and southern New South Wales for over 60 years.
They are no strangers to large commercial projects, their most recent project was the second stage of construction at Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (GOTAFE) in Shepparton.
Moretto Building has also constructed the large St Annes College six-stage development in Kialla.
Despite the stadium build holding a larger price tag in comparison to previous work, Mr Moretto believes the project, will be a relatively smooth operation.
“It’s not a complex build, it's just big,” said Mr Moretto.
