Sarah Oliver
HR Uren Recreation Reserve in Thomastown will receive a huge upgrade, including a FIFA-approved synthetic pitch, ball-catching nets, boundary fencing and walking paths.
The City of Whittlesea has invested $4.2 million into the project in a bid to encourage the community to get active and participate in sport again.
Whittlesea chair administrator, Lydia Wilson said: “With community sport back on track after lockdown, it’s heartening to see residents making the most of council’s facilities and sports grounds again.
“We’re working hard to ensure our communities have access to first-rate facilities to enjoy for many years to come.”
Lalor United Sloga Football Club co-ordinator Emil Atanasov said he and the club are “very excited” about the project.
“The existing pitch has no drainage, it’s always muddy and suddenly we’re going to have a really good facility the kids can use all year round,” Mr Atanasov said.
“We haven’t got a social space at the club, we use the change rooms, and suddenly we’re going to have a proper functioning space. We’re excited about that even more.”
Construction on the new pitch will start in November and be completed by March 2022.
An extension of the existing pavilion and carpark is in the plans, expected to be completed in 2023.
Details: whittlesea.vic.gov.au/hruren
