Construction is officially underway on the Mernda regional sports precinct’s indoor stadium and outdoor courts.
Whittlesea councillor Blair Colwell and chief executive Craig Lloyd joined McEwen MP Rob Mitchell on June 26 to mark the milestone at the Plenty Road site.
Whittlesea local and rising Melbourne Vixens star Tara Watson, junior netballers from the Northern Pride Netball Association and netball and basketball administrators were also in attendance.
The $42.14 million second stage of the regional sports precinct will deliver an indoor stadium housing multi-purpose sports courts and outdoor netball courts with lighting.
It will also feature a range of supporting infrastructure for players and staff such as changeroom facilities, reception, kiosk, outdoor pavilion, car park, footpaths and landscaping.
The second stage follows the completion of extensive groundworks to prepare the site, including rock removal, levelling, installation of retaining walls and creation of a wetland.
Council said the regional sports precinct will help to meet the rapidly rising demand for sporting facilities in the Whittlesea’s booming northern suburbs.
Currently, many residents must travel considerable distances outside the municipality to play their chosen sports, which is a major barrier to participation.
“Not everyone has someone who will take them to sport and spend hours and hours in the car commuting,” said Netball Victoria head of government relations Allanah Sharman.
Basketball Victoria government strategy and innovation general manager Jake Keogh described the precinct as a “massive win” for the sport of basketball.
“An issue we’re seeing across the state, and it’s creeping up to the north, is longer and longer waiting lists for kids playing the sport. If we don’t have these extra courts, people are going to miss out,” he said.
The federal government has committed $11.5 million towards construction of the indoor stadium and outdoor courts, while the state government has committed $10 million towards transport infrastructure and a further $10 million for the indoor stadium.
Mayor Martin Taylor said the project is about more than just new facilities – it’s about removing barriers to participation, especially for women and girls, and ensuring everyone in our community has the chance to be active in a safe and welcoming space.
