c.ex stadium P R OJ E CT T E A M F R O M C O F F S H A R B O U R C I T Y C O U N C I L , L I P M A N A N D A P P
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B U I L D I N G A N E P I C S TA D I U M F O R T H E F U T U R E
Complete.
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ast time we caught up with the team on this project, you’d just opened Stage 1 back in March … It’s been a busy six months, as we moved on to the second and final stage of the project. We’ve completely transformed the original grandstand building, to a contemporary and welcoming space with picture postcard views of our renowned playing surface. No more corporate tents sweltering on the edge of the ground! For this opening we ditched the traditional ribbon cutting and invited the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Denise Knight and Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan to kick a
Earlier this month, C.EX COFFS INTERNATIONAL STADIUM CELEBRATED THE OPENING OF A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR UPGRADE. We caught up with Nikki Greenwood at the opening ... footy into the crowd at the AFL North Coast grand final. It was a fun afternoon and a great way to open the venue. This has been a two year project - who’s been working with you during that time? From early on we have worked closely with our project team of APP (project managers), Lipman (builders), Hassell and DRA Architects. They’ve played a huge role over the past couple of years, and we are so grateful for their insight and experience. In addition, we also worked with civil contractors AJ Civil Projects and Mid North Coast Constructions, who delivered the new car park. We had over 50 local businesses involved in this project - this was important, to create
direct economic benefit and jobs, but equally it now gives the venue so much local flavour. All of the design elements and Indigenous interpretation connects the stadium to our community and region. So many people around town know someone who’s been involved in some way - it’s lovely to see how proud the team are of what we’ve achieved together. We’ve also had so much input from our sport partners at AFL and cricket - their input into the functional design has been invaluable. What kind of events can we expect to see now that the project has been completed? Firstly, we can now proudly offer this venue to the events who’ve supported the venue
over many years. We can’t wait to welcome our long term national events like Oztag, Touch Football, FFA National Youth Championships and the Coffs Coast Rugby Challenge, as well as the many schools and local sporting groups who come to play each year - I know they are going to love the upgrades! We’re also looking at securing some new content - obviously Sir Elton John coming in February is amazingly exciting for the whole community, So, what’s next? Oh, I’d love to tell you - but I can’t! Keep an eye out for some exciting event announcements soon!
‘BUILDING AN EPIC STADIUM FOR THE FUTURE’ project 2017–2019 TO CELEBRATE THE ‘BUILDING AN EPIC STADIUM FOR THE FUTURE’ PROJECT, COUNCIL WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT BUILDING BETTER REGIONS FUND AND THE ORGANISATIONS WHO HAVE WORKED ALONGSIDE US. PROJECT FUNDED BY
PROJECT TEAM
WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS OF
DESIGNED BY
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... continued with Nikki Greenwood
WATER YULUDARLA
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hat’s your favourite feature in the upgraded venue? It’s the carpet! The project team heard me rave about the carpet from the minute we were lucky enough to hear about Brentyn’s work from Chris Spencer and his team at Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance ... I love that it has a local connection to our community - I love that the design tells a real story, I love the colours, I love the dots, and I most of all love the feature piece downstairs which links it all. Every single time I walk into a carpeted room, it makes me smile. So, tell us more about the carpet ... We are the first venue to feature the “Water Yuludarla” carpet collection. Based on the artwork of Gumbaynggirr artist Brentyn Lugnan, “Water Yuludarla” is the result of MillikenOntera’s collaboration with Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance and the National Aboriginal Design Agency. We were just so lucky to find out about this upcoming release at the perfect time … it was all top secret and we couldn’t wait to show it off, but it had to be kept under wraps until the
national release. IN BRENTYN’S WORDS: “Water Yuludarla” is about the generational connection between the Gumbaynggirr Peoples and the waters and lands of this area. A river winds its way across bordered with my ancestors from the centre, radiates out, my family symbol. This speaks of taking spirit from home out into the wider world. I get the feeling you have more favourites ... Can I say all of it? Actually, one of my favourite spaces is the corporate area - it’s so welcoming, and it’s the space that really surprises people who come in for the first time. To me, this is the final piece in the overall venue that really says welcome to our amazing stadium, and come and enjoy events Coffs Harbour style. We’re not trying to be the SCG - we are trying to be Coffs Coast, and we wanted the space to bring the outside in. It’s filled with natural light and has an outlook to the stadium and also the Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park fields behind … I love it! Thanks Nikki.
Our versatile
STADIUM “The versatile sports stadium” ... With the project now complete, Dan Heather shares some of the smarts and features you can’t see from the outside!
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o Dan, with everything now finished, what makes our stadium so great? It’s no secret our greenkeeping team nurture and manage a playing surface that is the envy of stadiums across the country, but when you combine the superior playing surface with broadcast lighting and now the new state of the art facilities to cater for players, coaches, officials, media and of course spectators, Coffs Harbour has one of the best regional stadiums in Australia.
You mention media, players, officials etc.; is the stadium reserved for just the big sports? No; in fact, this presented the single biggest challenge in designing the grandstand upgrades. Many stadiums are built for a single sport; however, we have both the benefit and challenge of being a multi-sport venue, which means the design of everything needed to work for large oval sports such as cricket and AFL, rectangular sports such as the various football codes, but more importantly, we
had to make the venue versatile enough to deliver our big competition events like Oztag and touch football, as well as our very busy calendar of community events such as school and athletic carnivals! That’s a lot to pack into a venue; did it work? We are very proud to say yes! We have a truly versatile venue that works for many different event styles. We saw at the opening the new corporate spaces. Apart from looking amazing, will
these be available for hire? Yes, of course. We want as many people and organisations to enjoy the venue as possible. We actually have a lot of different spaces that can be used for meetings, training, seminars, workshops, cocktail functions … as well as major events. We are happy to show people through, and we already have a number of new functions booked in for the coming months! Well, we are pretty excited … maybe the FOCUS Christmas party will be there! As long as I get an invite – no worries!
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BUILDING AN EPIC STADIUM FOR THE FUTURE - PROJECT COMPLETE!
The vision to create an inclusive space FOR EVERYONE
D
Interview with Dan continued ...
from young children, through to seniors, some
subtle things that you may not even realise
may use mobility aids or have prams, some may
have been done for a purpose. For example,
have hearing or visual impairments, or we may
each building is coloured and named differently,
have an event that will expect more women
so a young child who may not be able to read
than men, so clever planning and flexibility in
can recognise they are in the blue grandstand,
across the entire venue, who might visit, who
venue design allows us to cater for this well.
whereas other people will refer to it as the
might hire it, what will it be hired for, and from
So, how do you actually achieve this?
Northern Grandstand.
an, we hear the word inclusive used a lot. What does this mean in the context of a venue? Well, it’s about thinking holistically
our perspective, how do we deliver a building that will simply work for everyone. People who regularly visit the stadium range
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Good question. There are obvious examples,
The pathways in the forecourt have different
like having lift access to the concourse level
colour concrete, which helps with way-finding,
of the grandstands, and then there are some
but also assists visually impaired people
navigate. We have designed all our ramps to feel like pathways, so wheel chair users do not feel they need to use a special ramp; everyone walks up the same paths. The forecourt space also features flexible bench seating, some with backs, some without, and all are accessible by wheelchair users or people using a mobility aid. We have built hearing loops into spaces and provide hearing assistance devices for within the seat bowl. All service areas have various height counters, to allow for inclusive service for children or wheelchair users. We have built flexibility into seating locations for people in a wheelchair, who have multiple options to choose where they’d like to sit with their carers and families. How do you know you are doing it right? Firstly, we wrote accessibility and inclusiveness into our project charter right at the beginning. So, it was always front of mind in decision making throughout the project. Secondly, we asked for help and advice along the way. Council’s Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee were kept up to date throughout the project, and many of their recommendations were implemented. We also had the manager of Event Access and Inclusion from Department of Premier and Cabinet sit on our Stakeholder Reference Group. Our project contributor, Key Employment, also provided input along the way and as a result, we have engaged a new staff member with their assistance.
BUILDING AN EPIC STADIUM FOR THE FUTURE - PROJECT COMPLETE!
Food fabulous
FOOD!
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e sampled some pretty amazing food at the opening … Who catered for you? I am pleased to say it is all in-house! Over the last few King Tide Brewing months of the project, WE EMPLOY LOCAL created a special Debra, our Food and STAFF AND SOURCE session ale called the Beverage Team Leader, LOCAL PRODUCTS. WE Grandstander … we was busy sourcing HAVE EVEN LINKED UP loved the labelling, products, finding WITH LOCAL CRAFT and it is a great beer! chefs and wait staff BREWERS AND WINERIES, Tell me about the and creating a mouthTO PROVIDE SOMETHING coffee! watering menu! SPECIAL AT EVENTS. Ha ha! Yes, coffee is Well, I am impressed! an essential ingredient Do your source for a well rounded everything locally? food and beverage Yes; in fact, it’s offering! At the stadium, local owners Jono something we are quite proud of. We and Catharine of ZEST Café in Sawtell have employ local staff and source local products. opened the HUB CAFÉ, serving Botero coffee We have even linked up with local craft - which is grown and roasted in the Maclean, brewers and wineries, to provide something just up the road. So, we have great coffee special at events. For the opening, guests available on event days! enjoyed wine from Raleigh Winery, and
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BUILDING AN EPIC STADIUM FOR THE FUTURE - PROJECT COMPLETE!
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HOW DO YOU MAKE A STADIUM LOOK AMAZING … YOU ASK TWO BIRDS! We sat down with Kylie Mackay and Kristie Peel from Two Birds Design to find out more about the design features of the stadium.
ell us what it meant for Two Birds Design to be involved in such an important project for the Coffs Coast. Having the opportunity to showcase our interior design services on such a project has been amazing! It has been very rewarding to work with Coffs Harbour City Council and to show what we are capable of producing within our local community (and even that services and skills like ours are available here). Many hours go into making sure all the details
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work together. It is like a giant puzzle - each section needs to fit perfectly with the next; otherwise, it never looks quite right. We’ve seen the colours on the buildings as we drive past; what was the brief you worked to? Our design brief was to represent elements of where we live, the hinterland, coast and urban environments. The colour combinations represented on each façade showcase these areas; each colour has been taken out of our environment.
The Southern Grandstand represents the hinterland, with a natural green palette (think rainforests, tree ferns, frogs, pastures and rolling hills). The Northern Grandstand represents the coastal environment, with a blue, coastal palette (think ocean, river systems, beaches, open spaces); whilst the refurbished Central Grandstand represents our city - the Coffs Harbour city centre, with a warm, urban palette. Are you still friends with the painter after selecting all those different colours?
Yes! Snell and Egan Painting did a fantastic job delivering our vision for the stadium. Although it probably felt like more to them, there were only around 25 colours used throughout the whole project. Most colours were repeated in each area, just used in different combinations to create different effects. It’s not just the paint either; there are around 10 different coloured feature tiles used to carry the colour theme through the public toilets and changerooms.
BUILDING AN EPIC STADIUM FOR THE FUTURE - PROJECT COMPLETE!
Connected to Gumbaynggirr
As part of the project, COFFS HARBOUR CITY COUNCIL ENGAGED GUMBAYNGGIRR ARTISTS Uncle Tony Hart and Brentyn Lugnan to create artworks that depicted the hinterland and coastal environments of Gumbaynggirr country.
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hile both artworks are truly amazing and unique, they were both used to inspire design elements that feature throughout the venue. The Gumbaynggirr designs feature in window frosting, water fountains, furniture, and concrete stencils. Uncle Tony’s art (shown here) is titled Way of Life: Way of Life - From the Mountains to the Sea shows many cultural landmarks, including the hills and ranges which are important to our people, because they have strong spiritual meaning and connection for initiations or corrobboree, the footprints of our ancestors, where they used to walk and leave a path, all the way from the ocean through to up in the ranges and the mountains. This
art depicts the animals, plants and environment that are a vital source of Gumbaynggirr food and culture. Brentyn’s artwork is titled To The Stars: To The Stars tells of the ancestors’ journeys across Coffs/ Gumbaynggirr Country to the sea. The starfish are representative of the food and life available there. The “U”s are the ancestors and portrayed underneath is the Coffs area. Traditionally, the ocean provided great resources, and these travels were common. Upon completion, I was delighted to discover I had depicted a stadiu, with the people travelling to see the stars. “It is quite fun to see people comment on how great things look around the stadium, and little do they know there is a significant meaning behind it all,” says Dan Heather.
C.ex Group is proud to be the naming rights sponsor of C.ex Coffs International Stadium and will continue to sponsor major events in the future for the benefit of the Coffs Coast Region.
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BUILDING AN EPIC STADIUM FOR THE FUTURE - PROJECT COMPLETE!
J L E O N S I T E I N S TA L L I N G T H E NEW LED SCREEN
What's theBUZZ? Sharon McDougall tells us about the tech ...
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e’ve seen lots of cranes grant funding, so in addition to the massive at the stadium recently; new screen, we also have 100 lineal metres why is that? of LED panels that can be used as perimeWell, there has been a ter signage around the edge of the field for fair bit going on but things like sponsor excitingly, our brand messaging and fan new LED screen was engagement. installed a few weeks There are now ago. Laser Electrical almost 70 screens THERE ARE NOW and their sub conthroughout the ALMOST 70 SCREENS tractor JLE have been stadium, one in just THROUGHOUT THE working for months to about every room STADIUM, ONE IN JUST prepare the founand in public areas ABOUT EVERY ROOM dations and support like the concourses AND IN PUBLIC AREAS structure for the monand food and drink LIKE THE CONCOURSES ster 62 square metre outlets, so for an AND FOOD AND DRINK screen. To offer a direct event that includes OUTLETS, SO FOR AN size comparison, our live coverage, you EVENT THAT INCLUDES existing scoreboard LED never have to miss LIVE COVERAGE, YOU screen (that we have a second! This also NEVER HAVE TO MISS A now moved to the means that we SECOND! south east corner of are able to offer the field) is 21.6 square digital sponsorship metres. Fun fact: the packages for the new screen is made up venue. of over 720,000 individual LEDs! We have also installed LED strip lighting Are there any other features that we to a few key locations, including the might not notice on first glance? changerooms and along the back of the Yeah, there sure are. Delivering fan grandstands, where we can now personfacing technology was a commitment we alise feature lighting to suit event or team made as part of our Building Better Regions colours - which is pretty cool!
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BUILDING AN EPIC STADIUM FOR THE FUTURE - PROJECT COMPLETE!
The
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hat is the HUB all about? The HUB is a home for local, like-minded sporting organisations and event organisers to connect and collaborate in a vibrant, inclusive, innovative space, within a precinct with a renowned reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism and events excellence. Who is in there? We have three foundation tenants, being AFL North Coast, Cricket NSW and North Coast Football. We also have the stadium greenkeeping team and some of the events
HUB
team located in the HUB. It’s a great space that allows each tenant to have their own office, use of a shared meeting room and kitchen and staff areas, but there is also an open plan co-working space that allows other sports, events or organisations to work for a day, a week or even full-time. Is there room for anyone else? Yes! We could definitely accommodate a couple of people in the open plan area. If a sport is interested in having a permanent work space at the HUB, they can simply give us a call!
Infracraft – building communities
For years Coffs Harbour has been the epicentre of sport on the NSW North Coast. Sport is the backbone of Aussie culture, it builds and forms communities, bringing people together from all walks of life. It is for this reason that Infracraft, one of Coffs Harbour’s own is excited to announce their involvement in the building of the C.ex Coffs International Stadium.
Our staff – kicking goals
Utilising the latest manufacturing technologies to produce high quality items, our team of over 80 staff have won construction and trade, business innovation and training awards. It is no wonder that Infracraft were recently named as an Employer of Choice.
Infracraft is always looking for people with winning attitudes to join our growing team. We can teach the skills but we can’t teach attitude.
infracraft.com.au
“Innovative Joinery” Coffs Coast focus 95
Thank
BUILDING AN EPIC STADIUM FOR THE FUTURE - PROJECT COMPLETE!
YOU!
C O U N C I L’ S M A Y O R A N D G M W I T H P R O J E C T C O N T R I B U T O R S C.EX GROUP, INFRACRAFT AND KEY EMPLOYMENT
Council gratefully acknowledge the generous contributions made to the project by the following organisations:
C.EX GROUP
CRICKET AUSTRALIA
AFL
Why did you decide to contribute to the stadium project? In the last five years, the C.ex Group has supported over 400 community groups and donated in excess of $1.7 million dollars to local community and sporting organisations. The C.ex Group believes that C.ex Coffs International Stadium is a major economic contributor to the Coffs Coast, where the many local, national and international sporting groups compete.
What has excited you the most about the project? The redevelopment of C.ex Coffs International Stadium has provided significant infrastructure upgrades that strengthen Coffs Harbour’s position to continue to attract elite level international and domestic cricket matches. Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW are proud to partner with Council in the development and delivery of the “Building an EPIC Stadium for the Future” project - an important facility underpinning the longterm growth of cricket in the region.
You’ve seen the finished product; what do you think? It’s fantastic! As sport becomes more and more professional in nature, the quality and size of the changerooms, spectator zones and media and sponsors’ environments will entice AFL clubs to want to return to Coffs Harbour. AFL NSW/ACT is excited to have partnered with and significantly contributed to Coffs Harbour City Council to deliver the wonderful upgrades to C.ex Coffs International Stadium. These upgrades provide the AFL with the opportunity to continue the Sydney Swans pre-season content and potentially introduce AFLW content to Coffs Harbour.
C.ex Coffs International Stadium
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BUILDING AN EPIC STADIUM FOR THE FUTURE - PROJECT COMPLETE!
Thank
YOU!
K E Y E M P LOY M E N T
I N F R A C R A F T D E TA I L E D J O I N E R Y
Why was it important to Key Employment to support the project? By supporting the project, we are contributing to increased opportunities for fitness and fun, as well increasing the accessibility of the venue. We support the increased employment opportunities and tourism the stadium offers, as well as the enhanced reputation for the city. We are thrilled that one of our clients is now employed at the stadium as a result of this project!
Why is the stadium special to the team at Infracraft? Infracraft Detailed Joinery has deep roots in the Coffs Coast region. Employing over 80 staff, many of whom are keen amateur sports people, we are committed to the success of our community. An important part of regional communities is sport. Sport brings together people from all walks of life, makes sure that active lifestyles are promoted and creates bonds that last a lifetime. When we saw an opportunity to be involved in the stadium project, we took it with both hands. This new facility will be an asset to our region for decades to come. It will give our community a place be proud of and will attract more sporting events, which in turn will continue to inject money into our economy.
AJ CIVIL PROJECTS
After 21 years in business, are committed to providing exceptional delivery, service and outcomes for all of our clients
Proud supporter of Lipman and C.ex Coffs International Stadium
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PROUD LOCAL BUILDERS OF C.EX COFFS INTERNATIONAL STADIUM
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE FOR OUR COMMUNITY