A highly-anticipated renovation of its weight and wrestling room in the Palmerton Area School District has received the stamp of approval.

On a unanimous measure, the school board on Tuesday approved the revised drawing from ALLOY5, Bethlehem, dated Dec. 5, for the weight room renovation and bidding project.

A setback in September when the initial project costs soared led the board to reconsider and revise the plans.

Central to the latest proposed changes is an expansion of a new boys and girls locker room area.

Joe Faenza, director of facilities, previously said that the board requested that the locker room spaces be increased from 156 to 209 square feet each, which involves moving the storage and utility room wall back by 4 feet, 6 inches.

Faenza also said at that time that a wall on the opposite side of the weight room, previously featuring a 6-foot opening, is set to be expanded to 16 feet, providing coaches with an enhanced line of sight.

A structural engineer’s assessment on Nov. 21 has given the green light for the expansion, with minor modifications such as a C-channel support across the existing lintel.

Director Earl Paules said last month that the revisions are geared to streamline the renovation project and mitigate costs.

That’s been a concern that has loomed large since the board’s decision to reject contracts totaling nearly $785,000 in September.

The initial estimate of $375,000 for general construction and $120,000 for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning had undergone a significant increase, largely attributed to the unforeseen need to replace a concrete floor slab in the facility.

Paules previously predicted that the redesign is expected to slash costs nearly in half, addressing concerns raised by board members and ensuring fiscal responsibility.