A controversial project to replace an upper north shore grass oval with a synthetic sports field has been hit with cost blowouts and delays in what one critic has warned could become “another North Sydney pool-type mess”.

The cost of upgrading Norman Griffiths Oval in West Pymble to a synthetic field had already doubled from $3.3 million in 2021 to $6.9 million in May . Just four months later, new figures from a Ku-ring-gai council report reveal it will cost an additional $5.4 million to install either a synthetic or natural turf field, taking the total cost of the project to $12.4 million.

There have also been delays – the pitch will take at least another 14 to 15 months to complete.

Councillors will decide whether the oval should be converted into a natural field or synthetic turf a

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