Work on a cricket training and multi-purpose venue at the Armidale Sportsground will start at the end of June.
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The $340,00 stage one of the project is being delivered by the Armidale Regional Sports Council in conjunction with the Armidale District Cricket Association (ADCA).
Armidale Regional Council's sport and recreation development officer, Amy Biggs, said work on the project, which had been a key priority for the sports council, would be a major enhancement for the sportsground.
"The indoor cricket training and multipurpose venue .... will comprise a 36m x 15m colorbond building, providing four training lanes, with insulation and a full synthetic fit out," Ms Biggs said.
"With all sport on hold for the last few months due to COVID-19, construction of this facility will be welcome news for the sporting community."
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Ms Biggs said that a mammoth effort had been put in by the Armidale District Cricket Association to get the project off the ground.
ADCA president Mike Porter said the facility was a much needed resource that would benefit younger players coming through in particular, by providing another aspect for their training.
"Our players find it difficult to train in the cold weather and this facility means we can train at all times of the year, regardless of weather," Mr Porter said.
"This is a huge win for cricketers in the region and I can't wait to see it come out of the ground."
Chairman of the Armidale Regional Sports Council, councillor Brad Widders, said the project would enhance the Armidale Sportsground as a regional facility for training and competitions and will be suitable for indoor training use by other sports such as netball and soccer.
"There is currently no indoor cricket training facility in the Armidale or broader Northern Tablelands region and this project will be a great asset for our local cricket community," Cr Widders said.
A Development Application for stage one of the project, which includes earthworks, slab, and the main building construction, has been approved, and construction should be completed by August 2020.
Stage two of the project, which includes internal fit out and adjoining toilets/change rooms and office space, is subject to funding.
Council funding of $95,000 was committed in the 2019/20 financial year via the Sports Council, ADCA has contributed $20,000 and $10,000 has been committed by the Easts Cricket Club.
ADCA has also acquired significant grant funding, including $80,000 from the Cricket Australia Infrastructure Fund and almost $40,000 from the NSW ICC World T20 2020 Cricket Legacy Fund.
A further grant application has been made to the Building Better Regions Fund - Infrastructure Projects Stream - Round 4 - Drought Support.
