Sport centre designs underway

Whittlesea council. (Joe Mastroianni). 246677_01

Architects have been appointed to design the second stage of the Regional Aquatic and Sports Centre at Mernda.

According to Whittlesea council, stage two of the project includes the design and construction of eight outdoor sports courts, six indoor sports courts and indoor seating comprising 350 fixed and 1000 retractable seats.

Stage one of the project is already underway, which includes construction of the intersection at Everton Drive and Plenty Road in Mernda.

Council’s chair administrator said the facility will be the council’s largest single investment in social infrastructure and will be a catalyst for bolstering physical and mental health across the region.

“We cannot deliver regional infrastructure of this magnitude in isolation. We have been strongly advocating for funding support from the state and federal governments and we are grateful for the $20 million of funding we have received from the Victorian Government to support the delivery of the second stage of the project,” she said.

“The delivery of the outdoor multipurpose courts and indoor stadium will not only begin to address our region’s current deficit of netball and basketball courts but also help boost sporting participation rates in our community, particularly for women and girls.

“We know the key role exercise plays in promoting healthy lifestyles, but this centre will also provide the added benefits of facilitating social interactions and community connections.”

Ms Wilson said COX Architecture has been appointed to design the second stage. The company’s portfoilo includes AAMI Park, Optus Stadium, Allianz Stadium and the MCG Northern Stand.

Stage two works are expected to begin in 2024-25.

Details: www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/rasc