Local Waikato construction firm Fosters Construction has won the $36 million contract for the upgrade of Hamilton’s Claudelands Arena.

Foster Construction’s other recent projects include the Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, and function centre and café The Verandah on the edge of Rotorua Lake.

The Claudelands Arena will have a capacity of 5000 people.

The main arena floor will be 2220sq m, with curtains to divide the space for smaller events like banquets and a 15m high ceiling.

It will have a ‘hospitality lounge’ to fit 120 patrons for occasions like pre-event drinks.

There will also be meeting rooms and a 1000sq m hall.

The arena will be targeting sports, music and conference clients.

The construction contract inclues building the arena itself and its plaza entry, as well as installing kitchen equipment and fixed, relocatable and retractable seating.

It is aiming for an equivalent Green Star rating of 4.5.

Hamilton mayor Bob Simcock said that the arena will be a focal point of the region when completed.

“After some many months of community consultation, it is great to be able to award this contract and see construction finally get underway on site,” he said.

The total cost of the project is $68.4 million, and Mr Simock estimates the arena will generate an annual income of $14 million.

Foster Construction was formed in 1973 and also had the Hebel Autoclaved Aerated Concrete distributorship contract for the area since 2006.

Works begin at the site next week.