CONSTRUCTION of a multipurpose centre at the National Gymnasium commenced on Wednesday, which, according to a Department of Public Information (DPI) release, will allow for several disciplines including lawn tennis, futsal, basketball, and volleyball to be played.

The contract for construction was awarded to Randolph Taylor Construction Company and Simcon Engineering Company.
Randolph Taylor Construction will be responsible for the $12.9M lawn tennis court area, while Simcon Engineering Company will construct the court which will facilitate futsal, basketball, and volleyball at a cost of $11.6M, and it was said that both contractors are scheduled to complete construction within three months.
Though the National Sports Commission (NSC) did not issue a release on the important project, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, speaking to the DPI, said that the construction of the multipurpose court is part of a plan to remodel the National Gymnasium.
It was one of the major projects for the development of sports, accounted for in the 2017 National Budget.

The multipurpose courts will also facilitate athletes, who want to practise their discipline at nights, as the Gymnasium is already equipped with lights.
Jones stated that “if you noted, the lights that we would have erected last year were done on lamp poles. This time around when they are going to be erected they are going to be on a permanent structure because now we know exactly where the courts are being laid so the permanent structures are going to see galvanised pipes.”
Additionally, there will be a designated area created for the senior citizens to practise recreational activities and a WIFI-friendly environment for the youths.