Plans for a major redevelopment of sport and leisure facilities at West Epping Park have taken a significant step forward with City of Parramatta Council endorsing an $8.7 million tender for the works.

Council has confirmed Haslin Constructions as the successful tenderer for the project which will see the creation of synthetic football and cricket fields, cricket practice nets, play areas, picnic facilities, open lawns areas and sports field lighting. It will also involve improvements to traffic and parking arrangements at the park.

The tender for the project was previously awarded by Hornsby Shire Council in the days before the State Government issued its amalgamation Proclamation on 12 May, after which West Epping Park was incorporated into the new Parramatta LGA.

“City of Parramatta is very happy to confirm this decision and continue this important project, and we thank Hornsby Shire Council for prioritising redevelopment of the park,” City of Parramatta Administrator Amanda Chadwick said.

“Epping is currently experiencing a boom in residential development and this project, along with others being undertaken in the area by City of Parramatta, will help ensure there is adequate green space for the rapidly growing population to enjoy.”

In total, the redevelopment of West Epping Park is an $11.3 million project. It has been included in Council’s Draft Operational Plan for 2016/17 which is currently on public exhibition.

The project is being funded by Section 94 developer contributions collected from the Epping area by Hornsby Shire Council, and $1.6 million in funds from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, pledged to assist with public domain improvements in Epping.

It is expected work will begin at West Epping Park in early August 2016.