Despite last week’s delay, is set to officially commence on the new multi-million dollar Police Citizens Youth Club.

The up-coming building will replacing the 52-year-old Gurwood Street premises. 

PCYC’s Riverina regional general manager Brett Somerville said contractors had moved onto the site and were gearing up to tear down the previously ear-marked Fitzhardinge Street Bowling Club. 

The club is set to house three indoor sports courts, several multipurpose rooms, a police office, space for youth services, a cafe and a youth hub.

Mr Somerville said not only would the demolition be good for the PCYC, it would be good for the Wagga community too. 

“It is such a prominent site in Wagga and to not have the current building there will be a really positive sign for Wagga,” he said.

“We are working to finalising the funding mix for the development, and site preparation can now begin.”

He said it was an exciting time for club members.

Mr Somerville said community input into the ongoing development would be welcomed as the club evolved.

“The new state-of- the-art facility will be there for the entire community to use,” he said. “It will provide great services to the people of the Riverina.”

Former, long-serving club supervisor Fred Loneragan said he said pleased to see work finally begin on the new building. 

Mr Loneragan served the club for 22 of 44 policing years until 2000.

The former officer said he was an avid supporter of PCYC’s move from Gurwood street to the old Bowling Club site.

“It’s better located … a better place and it’s closer to the hub of the city,” Mr Loneragan said. “The (Gurwood Street) legacy it will leave in hearts, minds of actions of the thousands that came through every month, wont be gone.”  

Mr Loneragan said the new location would provide additional and much-needed opportunities for Wagga’s young people. 

He said the idea of a healthy mind and a healthy body was still alive and well. 

“If you can keep young people out of juvenile detention, its better for them,” he said. “They become good citizens of Wagga and the world.”