CONSTRUCTION of Richmond High School’s new Multi-Purpose Centre is well under way, heralding the end of an era for the historic MAC building (Bini Dome).
The majority of the new building’s external cladding and internal linings are now complete, and the basketball court and stage flooring is currently being installed.
Richmond High principal Cliff Ralph said the flooring is a huge improvement to the flooring in the MAC as it is “sprung” to cushion players’ stops and starts reducing the possibility of injuries to joints.
“The flooring is the same system that was used at the most recent Commonwealth Games,” Mr Ralph stated in the most recent school newsletter.
“I am currently working with our Technical Support Officer to engage a contractor to install the Audio Visual equipment in the building including a sound system.
“This was not part of the contract to construct the building and the equipment in the MAC was outdated.”
The MAC building will be demolished once the new gymnasium is complete.
The area where the Bini Dome once stood will be improved, and the existing car parking will be retained.
The New South Wales Department of Education has been gradually replacing Bini Dome structures at schools across the state. The project comes under the NSW Government's 2018/19 Budget allocation.
The new facility is forecast for completion in mid 2019.
According to Fairfax Media archives, the Richmond High School Bini Dome was erected in 1977 when 300 tonnes of concrete and steel were "blown up like a balloon," using compressed air.
The technique was formulated by Italian architect Dr Dante Bini. It took three hours to pour the concrete and one hour to inflate the dome.
Sarah Falson
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
