The Iberia Parish School Board unanimously approved soliciting bids for a new gymnasium at Anderson Middle School, now located at the site of the former Sugarland Elementary at Wednesday’s meeting.

Maintenance Director Harry Lopez said the project would comprise a 20,800 square foot gymnasium complete with locker rooms, concessions, a storage area and a 1,250 square foot platform stage with lighting and sound systems.

The gym will have bleachers, a sprinkler system and a concrete parking which will hold approximately 100 cars.

“It should be a nice gymnasium,” Lopez said. “It will have full-size concessions stand and we have drawings and specifications for the second phase.”

Lopez did caution that the state of modern construction is filled with delays and waiting lists, with many projects having to wait months for switchgear or air conditioning systems.

“It’s never going to be the same as it was before COVID,” Lopez said. “Construction is a different animal so just understand that we’re in a new world of construction.”

Barry Crochet said the project will have a 14-month timeline, and the project seems to be on track.

“It’s been a little complicated trying to figure out what’s coming from Anderson and what’s going to be new, but I think we’re good,” he said.