IT’S the place to be, says Gympie Show Society president Graham Engeman and Spencer Slatter from the Gympie Turf Club president agrees. The latest improvement to the showground and turf club facilities is fantastic.

Work is finally complete on a major project that saw the construction of a roof over the top floor of the Bill Bishop building. The spectacular end result boasts sweeping views over the main arena and racetrack, complete with a backdrop vista of the city of Gympie and a cooling breeze.

Mr Engeman said it was always part of the plan to create the covered deck that features 300 square metres of space suitable for around 200 people.

Portable bar and fridge facilities means functions can be held there and it will be used regularly on race days, at show time for the cooking shows and perhaps utilised as a bar on the Friday night and Saturday of the show, Mr Engeman said.

A walkway links the roof to the Pavilion and a lift is a much-needed addition that allows disabled patrons easy access.

Both Mr Engeman and Mr Slatter said they were very happy with the renovation carried out by Craig Stuart Homes.

“This is gifted to the community,” Mr Engeman said.

“And like everything here, it is for the benefit of the community.”

The collaborative project was made possible by a $60,000 grant from the Commonwealth Government stimulus package, the Gympie Turf Club and the Gympie District Show Society provided some $30,000, while the Gympie Regional Council funded the disabled lift.