STAFF WRITER
The construction of the $5.9million Kyogle Memorial Recreation Centre has passed the halfway mark and is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
Work is completed on the foundations, retaining walls and underground services.
Kyogle Council had hoped this first stage of construction would be finished by the end of August but wet weather since the start of the year has caused the loss of 34 working days.
The discovery of contaminated soil that had to be removed also caused significant delays and added about $600,000 to the cost of the project, which was originally about $5.3million.
The council received a $4.5million grant through the Federal Government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund towards the cost of the Recreation Centre. 
The council has lobbied State and Federal governments for another $12.4million to progress stages 2 and 3 of the recreation centre project.
Stage 2 will deliver a community gym and fitness facilities, including studio and youth activities, while Stage 3 will complete the centre with an indoor aquatic and therapeutic facility, including a heated lap pool.
The recreation centre which will also serve as the town’s evacuation centre.