A cool R160 million is being pumped into the old Monte Vista Casino, as the Newcastle Municipality works on seeing the premises turned into a cutting-edge hub for sports and wellness.
Speaking on the massive project, Newcastle’s Municipality’s Communications Unit explained that the utilisation of the sports facility will cater to the diverse sporting needs of residents, offering a venue for a variety of sporting codes.
“Moreover, the facility’s potential to host regional games presents an opportunity to stimulate economic growth within the town, as it will attract visitors and generates revenue. The multifaceted benefits of the facility extend to the residents of Newcastle through enhanced access to recreational opportunities, fostering a healthier and more active community,” stated the Communications Unit.
As reported by Newcastillian News at the beginning of March 2024, the massive initiative began in November 2022, with the Municipality remaining mum about the project until progress could be seen. This progress included the completion of the first part of Phase 1 of the development.
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While Phase 1 is still underway, the Communications Unit explained that the project consists of five phases with an estimated cost of R160 million.
Furthermore, the Communications Unit highlighted that the project is co-funded by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and Municipal Infrastructure Grant Funding.
When looking at the project timeframe, the Communications Unit explained, “The duration of this project spans over a period of five years, with a projected completion date set for the year 2027. The successful realisation of this timeline is contingent upon the consistent availability of financial resources from the project’s sponsors to support the implementation of Phases 2 through 5.”
With this in mind, the Newcastle Municipality’s Communication Unit said the following had been completed over the past month:
- 2 x Combo courts, completion of 7-a-side court.
- Change room (Electrical works, plumbing and doors).
- Platforms, and Construction of walkways.
- Earthworks for the cricket field.
- Earthworks for hockey court.
For Phase 1 of the project, the Communications Unit pointed out that the following still needed to be achieved:
- Parking rehabilitation.
- Ruby field.
- Completion of cricket field.
- Completion of hockey court.
- Guard houses.
- Construction of change rooms.
- Tennis court.
- BMX track area.
- Outdoor Indigenous games.
- Vending stalls.
- Completion of 2 x Combo courts, completion of 7 Aside court.
- Completion of Change room (Electrical works, plumbing and doors).
- Completion of Platforms, and Construction of walkways.
As work continues on the transformation of the Monte Vista Casino into a dynamic sports and wellness hub, the community now awaits the realisation of this ambitious project.
With the Newcastle Municipality already noting significant progress achieved and a clear roadmap ahead, what are your thoughts on the above?
Be sure to share your views in the comment section below and have a great week!
Comments 3
So glad Monte casino is being revived it will be wonderful for the folk of Newcastle it used to be a wonderful facility in the past many happy memories
At last! I’m glad they started. The sport fields were developed according to world standards. Level of athletics tracks, Rugby field, Bowling Greens, etc. Long, long ago we had South Africa’s best Athletes competed here. We had ‘Korfbal’ fields with ‘Asfalt’ – those things had to be maintained. I don’t want to run or play Korfbal now. The young ones will enjoy each and every inch!
R160 million on this as if it’s needed but can’t open the airport for the last 7 years.