THE construction work on the most-awaited and biggest sports centre in the south Seberang Perai (SPS) district, known as Nibong Tebal Arena, is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the work on the project started in August last year.
“As of now, the construction work of the 7,316sq m sports centre located at Taman Helang Jaya in Bukit Panchor is 30% complete.
“Once fully completed, the RM8.78mil sports centre will be equipped with nine badminton courts and a multi-purpose hall.
“We are confident of doing our best to ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated time,” Chow said in his speech before taking part in the ground-breaking ceremony at Taman Helang Jaya in Bukit Panchor today.
Also present were state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Jawi assemblyman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) director Harry Chai Heng Hua, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad and Penang Stadium and Open Spaces Corporation (PSDKLPP) chief executive officer Zul Kahar Khamis.
According to Chow, the badminton courts could also be converted for the use of other sports such as netball, volleyball, silat, sepak takraw, table tennis (ping pong), karate, wushu and many others.
“We can change the use of the courts when hosting certain sports competitions.
“There are also 900 units of retractable seating (also known as telescopic seating) for spectators and other state-of-the-art facilities.
“In addition, the multi-purpose hall has facilities such as a ballroom which can accommodate 170 tables and a stage. There are also 76 parking lots for cars and 30 lots for motorcycles and many more,” he added.
Chow said once the Nibong Tebal Arena is completed, the sports centre would play an important role to stimulate the economy and sports activities in Seberang Perai and its surrounding areas.
“So, apart from holding national-level sports competitions at the centre, the public can use the multi-purpose hall to organise wedding receptions, meetings, conferences and exhibitions.
“This project will bring huge benefits to the Seberang Perai community through the infrastructure provided,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis