$16 million stage one redevelopment of Blacktown Showground set to commence

Blacktown City Council is set to commence the $16 million stage one redevelopment works of the Blacktown Showground and Francis Park.
The work will see the redevelopment of ovals one and two at the city's Francis Park into a major recreational, arts and cultural precinct.
When complete it will offer quality passive and active recreation spaces, including a woodland park; green space; children's playgrounds; a community garden; sports training facilities; a multi-use track for walking, jogging and cycling; picnic facilities; a promenade and fencing, bus bay, lighting and water features.
Blacktown City Mayor, Councillor Alan Pendleton explains "we are excited that work is set to get underway on establishing the best recreation area in western Sydney.
"Council has worked very hard to get to this stage of the project. We have actively worked with long-term tenants of Francis Park such as Blacktown Soccer Association and Blacktown Little Athletics to ensure their relocation during the construction phase is as smooth as possible.
"I have no doubt that the entire community will be pleased with the results of this project. When it is completed it will be a wonderful facility that provides a park in the City for the local community and regional visitors to enjoy."
Stage one of the redevelopment is anticipated to commence within weeks and be completed by December 2012.
The Blacktown Showground redevelopment is one of the Trigger Projects identified in Council's Vision 2025 document ï¾ to deliver a showcase precinct encompassing quality cultural and recreational facilities connected to surrounding nodes through safe and convenient linkages.