Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre
Project Status
At the August 2025 Council meeting, Council resolved to award the contract for the construction of the Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre (MEC) at the Russell Street end of Richmond Park in Tumut.
Construction commenced in September 2025.
This major project will deliver a modern, purpose-built venue to support both the everyday needs and future resilience of the Snowy Valleys’ community.
Key features of the new centre include indoor multipurpose courts equivalent to two basketball courts, viewing stands for spectators, male/female amenities and change areas, reception area, indoor café area, significant storage space for emergencies, landscaped curtilages, and off-street parking for 50 vehicles.
The new facility will enable local and regional indoor sporting competitions to be held in Tumut, as well as providing flexible spaces to host conferences, school programs, community gatherings and events; and functionality to operate the facility as an evacuation centre during emergencies.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
Project Status
At the August 2025 Council meeting, Council resolved to award the contract for the construction of the Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre (MEC) at the Russell Street end of Richmond Park in Tumut.
Construction commenced in September 2025.
This major project will deliver a modern, purpose-built venue to support both the everyday needs and future resilience of the Snowy Valleys’ community.
Key features of the new centre include indoor multipurpose courts equivalent to two basketball courts, viewing stands for spectators, male/female amenities and change areas, reception area, indoor café area, significant storage space for emergencies, landscaped curtilages, and off-street parking for 50 vehicles.
The new facility will enable local and regional indoor sporting competitions to be held in Tumut, as well as providing flexible spaces to host conferences, school programs, community gatherings and events; and functionality to operate the facility as an evacuation centre during emergencies.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
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June Update
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22 June 2026
Work is continuing at a steady pace across the MEC, with internal finishing touches well underway and major external elements rapidly taking shape. Each week brings the project another step closer to completion.
Sports Hall - Painting, timber flooring and skirting now complete, sports equipment is being installed, and bench seating works are now underway. Once all fittings are in place, the floor will be sealed and line-marked, bringing the hall another step closer to being ready for use.
Front of House - Internal cladding is complete and painting has started. Tiling and grouting are finished, with these final touches helping transform the space.
External Works - Significant progress has also been made outside the building. Air-conditioning units are now in place, with screening constructed around them to help reduce noise. Wall cladding is nearing completion, and stormwater infrastructure beneath the carpark has been finalised and fill placed behind retaining walls.
Upcoming Works - include connecting essential services, preparing for concrete pours, and constructing a small retaining wall at the driveway.
22 June 2026
Work is continuing at a steady pace across the MEC, with internal finishing touches well underway and major external elements rapidly taking shape. Each week brings the project another step closer to completion.
Sports Hall - Painting, timber flooring and skirting now complete, sports equipment is being installed, and bench seating works are now underway. Once all fittings are in place, the floor will be sealed and line-marked, bringing the hall another step closer to being ready for use.
Front of House - Internal cladding is complete and painting has started. Tiling and grouting are finished, with these final touches helping transform the space.
External Works - Significant progress has also been made outside the building. Air-conditioning units are now in place, with screening constructed around them to help reduce noise. Wall cladding is nearing completion, and stormwater infrastructure beneath the carpark has been finalised and fill placed behind retaining walls.
Upcoming Works - include connecting essential services, preparing for concrete pours, and constructing a small retaining wall at the driveway.
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June Community Meeting
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18 June 2026
Get excited… things are really starting to come together at the MEC.Come along to our final project meeting at Club Tumut next Wednesday 24 June at 5pm to see the progress, hear what’s next and find out more about how the facility will be managed.18 June 2026
Get excited… things are really starting to come together at the MEC.Come along to our final project meeting at Club Tumut next Wednesday 24 June at 5pm to see the progress, hear what’s next and find out more about how the facility will be managed. -
FAQ Snippet - A few questions we’re hearing
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Q - When will it be finished?
A: The project is currently on track to open in July. Stay tuned for official opening details as they are confirmed.
Q: What sports can be played in the centre?
A: The facility will support a range of indoor sports, including:
- Basketball
- Netball
- Volleyball
- Futsal
- Pickleball
- Badminton
- Cricket training (not games)
Q: How will the centre be managed and booked?
A: An Expression of Interest (EOI) process to manage the centre has been extended to 18 May. Once the successful operator is appointed, further information on bookings, programs, and community access will be released.
Q - When will it be finished?
A: The project is currently on track to open in July. Stay tuned for official opening details as they are confirmed.
Q: What sports can be played in the centre?
A: The facility will support a range of indoor sports, including:
- Basketball
- Netball
- Volleyball
- Futsal
- Pickleball
- Badminton
- Cricket training (not games)
Q: How will the centre be managed and booked?
A: An Expression of Interest (EOI) process to manage the centre has been extended to 18 May. Once the successful operator is appointed, further information on bookings, programs, and community access will be released.
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May Construction Update
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6 May 2026
What’s happening on site
Behind the scenes, major works continue to progress across the project:
- Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and security rough-ins are well advanced across the Front of House and sports courts
- Roofing works are ongoing, with flashings complete and cladding progressing
- The retaining wall is now finished, marking a key structural milestone
- FOH windows are installed, with glazing now underway
- Tiered seating structural steel is in place and taking shape
- Back blocking has commenced for future fit-out works
- The mechanical platform has been installed
What to look out for in May
As works continue, you’ll start to notice:
- More of the building sealed up as glazing is completed
- Interior spaces becoming more defined with wall linings and door frames
- Visible progress in wet areas with tiling underway
- A shift from structural works to more detailed finishes
6 May 2026
What’s happening on site
Behind the scenes, major works continue to progress across the project:
- Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and security rough-ins are well advanced across the Front of House and sports courts
- Roofing works are ongoing, with flashings complete and cladding progressing
- The retaining wall is now finished, marking a key structural milestone
- FOH windows are installed, with glazing now underway
- Tiered seating structural steel is in place and taking shape
- Back blocking has commenced for future fit-out works
- The mechanical platform has been installed
What to look out for in May
As works continue, you’ll start to notice:
- More of the building sealed up as glazing is completed
- Interior spaces becoming more defined with wall linings and door frames
- Visible progress in wet areas with tiling underway
- A shift from structural works to more detailed finishes
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Construction Update
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What’s happening on site
Construction is continuing to move along:
- Final building slabs poured – all slab work for the building footprint is complete.
- Roofing installed over the sports courts, front of house, and storerooms.
- Cladding works progressing and wall frames & trusses are now in place in the front of house.
- Electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, and security rough-ins are in progress.
- Steel posts for the perimeter retaining walls are being set in concrete.
What’s coming up
Here’s what’s next on site:
- Cladding completion for the sports courts and front of house.
- Finish rough-ins across the building.
- Install windows, glazed doors, and door frames.
- Add tiered seating to the sports courts.
- Install supports for furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
The work site will be closed for the Easter long weekend from Friday 3 to Monday 6 April.
26 March 2026
What’s happening on site
Construction is continuing to move along:
- Final building slabs poured – all slab work for the building footprint is complete.
- Roofing installed over the sports courts, front of house, and storerooms.
- Cladding works progressing and wall frames & trusses are now in place in the front of house.
- Electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, and security rough-ins are in progress.
- Steel posts for the perimeter retaining walls are being set in concrete.
What’s coming up
Here’s what’s next on site:
- Cladding completion for the sports courts and front of house.
- Finish rough-ins across the building.
- Install windows, glazed doors, and door frames.
- Add tiered seating to the sports courts.
- Install supports for furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
The work site will be closed for the Easter long weekend from Friday 3 to Monday 6 April.
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Progress on MEC
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18 March 2026
Construction of the new Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre at Richmond Park in Tumut is continuing to progress, with the building beginning to take shape after five months of work on site.
The Mayor and Councillors recently toured the site and noted the significant progress that has been made.
18 March 2026
Construction of the new Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre at Richmond Park in Tumut is continuing to progress, with the building beginning to take shape after five months of work on site.
The Mayor and Councillors recently toured the site and noted the significant progress that has been made.
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February Community Meeting
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12 February 2026
Join us at the February meeting. Attendance will help decide whether these meetings continue.
12 February 2026
Join us at the February meeting. Attendance will help decide whether these meetings continue.
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February Construction Update
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12 February 2026
It’s been a busy start to the year on site, here’s the latest:
✔️ Recently completed
Wall panels and roof steel are now complete and certified
Sealing of concrete panel joints is underway
Concrete has been poured for the storeroom floor on the Robertson Street side, with the amenities area on the opposite side also underway
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In-ground services have been installed, including:
Electrical conduits
Stormwater drainage
Water, sewer, fire and rainwater services
🔜 Coming up next
Roof panel installation and cladding on the sports hall
Steel framing for the front of house and amenities area
Retaining wall installation
📋 Behind the scenes
Contractors have now been secured for sporting equipment, mechanical systems, windows and glazed doors.12 February 2026
It’s been a busy start to the year on site, here’s the latest:
✔️ Recently completed
Wall panels and roof steel are now complete and certified
Sealing of concrete panel joints is underway
Concrete has been poured for the storeroom floor on the Robertson Street side, with the amenities area on the opposite side also underway
-
In-ground services have been installed, including:
Electrical conduits
Stormwater drainage
Water, sewer, fire and rainwater services
🔜 Coming up next
Roof panel installation and cladding on the sports hall
Steel framing for the front of house and amenities area
Retaining wall installation
📋 Behind the scenes
Contractors have now been secured for sporting equipment, mechanical systems, windows and glazed doors. -
MEC Walls Are On the Way Up
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13 January 2026
Things are really starting to take shape at the MEC, with the walls for the main sports hall now going up. The precast concrete panels were manufactured off-site and began arriving this week, with around 10 semi-loads delivered to site.
Using two large cranes, the panels are being lifted into place efficiently, with all walls expected to be installed by the end this week. Once complete, works will move straight into installing the steel roof, another big step forward for the project.
13 January 2026
Things are really starting to take shape at the MEC, with the walls for the main sports hall now going up. The precast concrete panels were manufactured off-site and began arriving this week, with around 10 semi-loads delivered to site.
Using two large cranes, the panels are being lifted into place efficiently, with all walls expected to be installed by the end this week. Once complete, works will move straight into installing the steel roof, another big step forward for the project.
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Year in Review
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17 December 2025
Our contractor will be taking a short break over the Christmas/New Year period and the site will be closed from Tuesday 23 December to Monday 5 January 2026.
As we near the end of the year let’s look back at the MEC timeline:
- Dec ’24 – Community Session at Richmond Park
- Jan ’25 – First MEC e-newsletter
- Feb ’25 – 150+ join Concept Design presentations
- Feb ’25 – Council progresses Concept Design
- Mar ’25 – Development Application lodged
- May ’25 – Plan of Management adopted
- Jun ’25 – Public meeting with the Planning Panel
- Jul ’25 – MEC DA endorsed & Construction Tender released
- Aug ’25 – Contract awarded to Hines Constructions
- Sep ’25 – Construction officially begins
- Dec ’25 – First concrete poured & foundations take shape
This is the final MEC news update for 2025. We’ll be taking a short break, with no community meetings scheduled for December or January.
From our Project Team and the Hines Construction crew, thank you for your continued support and best wishes for a safe and happy festive season.
17 December 2025
Our contractor will be taking a short break over the Christmas/New Year period and the site will be closed from Tuesday 23 December to Monday 5 January 2026.
As we near the end of the year let’s look back at the MEC timeline:
- Dec ’24 – Community Session at Richmond Park
- Jan ’25 – First MEC e-newsletter
- Feb ’25 – 150+ join Concept Design presentations
- Feb ’25 – Council progresses Concept Design
- Mar ’25 – Development Application lodged
- May ’25 – Plan of Management adopted
- Jun ’25 – Public meeting with the Planning Panel
- Jul ’25 – MEC DA endorsed & Construction Tender released
- Aug ’25 – Contract awarded to Hines Constructions
- Sep ’25 – Construction officially begins
- Dec ’25 – First concrete poured & foundations take shape
This is the final MEC news update for 2025. We’ll be taking a short break, with no community meetings scheduled for December or January.
From our Project Team and the Hines Construction crew, thank you for your continued support and best wishes for a safe and happy festive season.
Key Dates
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24 June 2026
Photos
Major Milestones
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Phase 1 - Design Development
Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre has finished this stageNovember 2024 - February 2025
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Phase 2 - DA Documentation
Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre has finished this stageJanuary - February 2025
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Phase 3 - Planning Approvals
Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre has finished this stageMarch - July 2025
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Phase 4 - CC and Construction Tender Documentation
Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre has finished this stageFebruary - August 2025
Construction Tender Awarded - August 2025
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Construction Stage
Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre is currently at this stageConstruction Commencement - 22 September 2025
Animation - MEC - Draft Concept Design
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Animation - Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre - Concept Design
This is an animation fly around of the Concept Design for Snowy Valleys Council's Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre
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Click here to play video
Animation - Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre - Draft Concept
This is an animation fly around of the Draft Concept Design for Snowy Valleys Council's Multipurpose and Evacuation Centre
Draft Concept Design - Presentation and Plans
FAQs
- Why was Richmond Park selected for this project?
- What are the objectives of the MEC?
- How can Council afford to build this facility?
- Is the facility designed just for basketball, or will it be suitable for other sports as well?
- What does the Traffic and Parking Assessment Report indicate?
- Will the development cause noise issues for nearby residents?
- How much of the site will be built on?
- Are we losing open green space?
- What’s happening to the playground?
Who's Listening
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SV
Phone 1300 275 782 (1300 ASK SVC) Email info@svc.nsw.gov.au






