Recreational centre expanded

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NEW LANDMARK: Liew shows a picture of the artist’s impression of the future events stage which is set to be completed in May this year.

KUCHING: Construction of RM850,000 KIRC new facilities expected to be completed next month.

The Kuching Integrated Recreational Centre (KIRC) at the grounds of Dewan Suarah here is set to be expanded with the completion of its new events stage and playground costing RM850,000.

“The construction of the centre is fully funded by the state government. The construction, which is located near Kuching Civic Centre is expected to be completed in May this year.

“We want to thank the state government especially the Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud for his contribution,” informed KIRC director Dato Patrick Liew.

Liew commented that the expansion of KIRC is due to the overwhelming response to the current facilities provided by KIRC.

He wants KIRC to be a gathering spot for the public to share sports, healthy recreational and leisure activities.

“We want more facilities like this in the city (Kuching) to be built in the future. It is fun, healthy and good lifestyles that we want to promote here hence these new facilities are for all to share,” added Liew.

When asked on the future rental fees of the events stage, Liew commented that the fee has yet to be decided but he promised that the fee would be as minimal as possible. The fee is to cover maintenance cost of the facilities.

“Since this area is gazetted as a park and green area by the state government, we must be careful not to turn this place into a commercial entity. We must make it as green as possible and it would help if we charge very minimum fees for the facilities,” informed Liew.

The opening ceremony for the new facilities has been scheduled on May 27 with the Chief Minister expected to officiate.

A number of futsal, sepak-takraw, skateboarding, basketball and cycling competitions will also be held on that day.

“As a sports and recreation centre, it is only right if sports tournaments are held on that day to commemorate the opening of the new events stage and playground.

“We will also have live bands playing on that day to make it an exciting event,” explained Liew.

The new event stage will have touches of Sarawakian ethnic designs added to it.

This is to symbolise it as a Sarawakian structure.