An artist’s illustration of Nibong Tebal Arena, set to be the biggest sports centre in Seberang Prai. — Buletin Mutiara
NIBONG Tebal Arena, which will be the biggest sports centre in Seberang Prai, is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said construction of the project started in August last year.
“As of now, construction of the 7,316sq m centre in Taman Helang Jaya, Bukit Panchor, is 30% complete.
“The centre will be equipped with nine badminton courts and a multipurpose hall,” he told Buletin Mutiara at a ground-breaking ceremony of the RM8.7mil project.
Also present were state youth and sports committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Jawi assemblyman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai Heng Hua, Seberang Prai City Council mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad and Penang Stadium and Open Spaces Corporation chief executive officer Zul Kahar Khamis.
Chow said the badminton courts could be converted for other sports like netball, volleyball, silat, sepak takraw, table tennis, karate and wushu.
“We plan to hold various national competitions at the arena, which will have 900 retractable seats for spectators and other state-of-the-art facilities.
“In addition, the multipurpose hall has facilities like a ballroom that can accommodate 170 tables and a stage.
“A total of 76 parking bays for cars and 30 lots for motorcycles will be provided,” he added.
Chow said Nibong Tebal Arena would play an important role in stimulating the economy and sports sector in Seberang Prai.
“Apart from sports, the public can use the multipurpose hall for wedding receptions, meetings, conferences and exhibitions,” he said.
