By Laura Michell
Hume council is seeking state government funding to allow it to fast-track the redevelopment of the former Craigieburn Leisure Centre.
Councillors endorsed the first stage of the centre’s redevelopment during last Monday’s council meeting, with the stage one works expected to cost $11.75 million.
The council hopes the state government will commit $6 million to the project via its Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.
According to the council, the project could be delivered 18 months earlier than planned if it’s grant application is successful, with projects funded under the stimulus program required to be “shovel ready” by January.
The council is planning to build three new multi-use sports courts at the centre, which is now known as the Craigieburn Sports Stadium, as part of the stage one works.
A functions lounge, meeting rooms and a customer service area will be removed to make room for the courts.
Car parking and amenities associated with the new courts will also be built.
Cr Joseph Haweil said the works were in response to community demand for more courts.
“The demand for the indoor multi-sports courts was identified as part of the master planning for the site,” he said.
“The sports played at the centre on the indoor multi-use courts include basketball, netball, volleyball and badminton, and the proposed additional courts will ensure that these sports can expandand provide additional sporting opportunities for the community in Hume.”
A report to council said potential future works at the stadium include the establishment of a gymnastics hall as there is currently no dedicated gymnastics facility in Hume despite high demand for the sport; construction of new access roads to address safety concerns, redevelopment of the boxing gym; upgrades to racket ball facilities; and the inclusion of a show court and two additional multi-purpose courts.
