Plans to upgrade three key Hume sporting reserves have been released by the council, paving the way for close to $8 million in works.
Last week, the council adopted draft concept plans for Craigieburn’s DS Aitken Reserve, Westmeadows’ Willowbrook Reserve and Sunbury’s John McMahon Reserve in response to calls from sporting clubs and community groups for these reserves to be upgraded.
The council proposes to spend $3.6 million at DS Aitken Reserve, which was built more than 50 years ago.
Upgrades to floodlights, tennis club rooms, the skate park and playground are planned, and the ageing pavilion will also have female change rooms included, and better umpire facilities.
This reserve is used by Craigieburn cricket, football and Superules clubs.
Entry to the reserve will be relocated from Craigieburn Road to Dianne Avenue to improve traffic flow, and extra parking spots will be created around the ground.
Councillor Casey Nunn said DS Aitken reserve was the “most important” sporting ground in Craigieburn.
“It is the historical home of the football, cricket and tennis clubs. It really is exciting we are spending that scale of money at the precinct,” she said.
“The rework of the pavilion is the jewel in the crown of the reserve.”
More than $1.2 million will be spent at Willowbrook Reserve, with works to extend social rooms, upgrade lighting, provide more parking, upgrade the tennis club and improve change rooms.
Cr Geoff Porter said the works will help bring Meadow Valley ward facilities into the 21st century.
East Sunbury’s John McMahon Reserve will get a second oval, netball courts, a playground and change rooms, as well as extended club rooms, at a cost of more than $3.9 million.
Cr Jack Ogilvie said the upgrades had been almost 15 years in the planning.
Draft plans are out for public comment for four weeks from October 25.
Details: www.hume.vic.gov.au
