CRICKET wickets are being installed at the Central Coast's newest sporting facility in Tuggerah.
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The wickets are expected to enhance the already significant pulling power of the $24-million Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex.
The complex opened in March and is already kicking goals.
Central Coast Council's environment and planning director Scott Cox said the sporting facility was delivering on its goal of attracting significant mass-participation events to the region.
"Since its opening we have already secured 23 events that roll out over 41 event days, and with the wicket installations under way, we have already secured cricket events for 2020," Mr Cox said.
"The complex's recent hosting of the 2019 NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout demonstrates the facility's ability to successfully hold large scale events.
"The 'Koori Knockout' was held from October 4 to 7 showcasing some of the best indigenous rugby league talent in the country and attracted over 40,000 attendees making it the largest event the facility has hosted since its opening."
More sport:
The complex's next event will be the Central Coast Junior Touch Championships on December 15. That one is expected to attract more than 3500 people.
Mayor Lisa Matthews said these events provided a significant boost to the region's economy with flow-on effects to small business, employment and community health.
"The 'Koori Knockout' injected over $7 million to our economy with local businesses having to order more produce to cover the influx of visitors," Cr Matthews said.
"This is great news for our region and we would love to have this great celebration of indigenous culture and sporting achievement back for another year."
The complex is a multi-use facility which boasts nine full-sized playing fields, an amenities building (with accessible toilets, change rooms, and storerooms), more than two kilometres of shared pathways, a main boulevarde, landscaping, car parks and zones for bus drop-off and turning.
The complex was designed to be built in two stages.
Council is continuing to seek funding for the second stage to develop a multi-purpose indoor complex and grandstand.
For more information or to book an event, go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/regionalsportingcomplex