Community & Business
19 November, 2025
Gil Recreation Centre Project’s first phase now underway
Once complete, the GRC will serve as a vibrant hub for sport, recreational, fitness, youth and community activities - supporting both individual health and the collective spirit of the region.
Gilgandra Shire Council (GSC) is progressing with the first phase of the highly anticipated Gilgandra Recreation Centre (GRC) Project, marking the start of a once-in-a-lifetime community investment in the Hunter Park Precinct that will enhance local sports and recreation, foster connections, and support wellbeing for generations to come.
The GRC project represents a significant milestone for the Gilgandra region, delivering modern, accessible swimming and water experience facilities and a sports, recreation, and youth centre designed to meet the needs of people of all ages and abilities.
GSC general manager, David Neeves says the start of this project marks an exciting new chapter for the community.
“This project has been years in the making, receiving the largest community grant funding in council’s history. Since receiving the news of our successful application to the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program Council has been planning in the back end to ensure we are in the best possible position to successfully deliver this project.”
“Given the scale and scope of works, we have split this project into three distinct phases, including phase one, design and procurement strategy; phase two, construction works and delivery (the building works); and phase three, operations of the GRC. There is significant planning required for this project and we expect phase one will take approximately 18-months to complete.”
Phase one includes the design process and development approvals and will conclude at the appointment of the successful construction tender. Phase two, the building works, will take a further 14-16 months whilst the facility is under construction.
“We are now excited to advise that the first step in phase one, appoint a fully qualified external contractor to fill the role as the ‘project lead’, has commenced. The project lead will have experience in delivering large scale community infrastructure projects. Details of this are available on council’s website.
A Hunter Park Precinct Stakeholder Group will be established, consisting of key representatives from GRC user groups and the broader community. Council has developed a draft charter, which will be finalised in consultation with members at the group’s first meeting, scheduled for early December.
The stakeholder group will consist of representatives from local sports user groups, schools, a nominated Indigenous representative, a member of the Economic Development Committee, a councillor, and key council staff.
The group will receive project updates, act as a voice for community and stakeholder interests, and provide feedback to inform the GRC’s design, functionality and overall project outcomes.
GSC mayor Doug Batten said this is a community-facing project with the intent to engage openly with the public throughout its lifecycle.
“Communicating through our traditional platforms, the stakeholder group, and with our regular community updates. A dedicated project page is available on our website, making it easy for the community to access all the information regarding this project, including an online feedback and question form,” he said.
To add to the excitement around the GRC project, council states it is also developing a Hunter Park Precinct Master Plan, which will guide the integration of the GRC within the broader precinct.
The plan will consider operational requirements and user experiences, and connections to key travel routes including schools, health services, the CBD, and the Windmill Walk.
Once completed, the draft plan will be placed on public exhibition for community review, including a community workshop scheduled for early 2026.
The Hunter Park Precinct includes the public swimming pool, tennis courts, CWA rooms, RFDS Health Hub expansion project, carparking, skate park, barbecue and play area, recreational green spaces, access points, and existing infrastructure including pathways and amenities.
“This project represents an important moment for the Gilgandra Region. We’re proud to commence this work and look forward to keeping our community informed as plans continue to take shape, and developments unfold” said Mr Neeves.
