Parts of the Research Park Pavilion have been demolished as the $2.5 million revamp gets underway.
The double-storey pavilion will have player, umpire and spectator facilities, as well as an accessible toilet on the ground floor and an upstairs community hall with a kitchen, bar and meeting rooms overlooking the grounds. This area will be available for sports clubs and wider community use.
Chair of social infrastructure Cr Bruce Ranken said the project had been in the pipeline for twelve plus years and the upgrade of the 50-year-old building was long overdue.
“My 17-year-old son Lachlan played footy at the club for many seasons from the age of nine. I know how much the upgrade means to the community,” Cr Ranken said.
Cr Jane Ashton said the upgrade would provide much-needed facilities for females. There is only one female toilet and no designated change rooms for girls.
“This ties in well with Council this week officially taking a stand to advocate for gender equality in the Shire,” Cr Ashton said.
The massive makeover will cater for club growth and female participation in AFL and cricket. The project will include an upgrade to the car park with 30 additional parking spaces.
The pavilion is slated to be completed by mid-next year and the car park upgrade by spring 2019.
Council contributed $1.4 million with $950,000 from the State and Federal governments and $160,000 from the Research Junior Football clubs with a small contribution by the cricket club. It is likely Council will need to chip in an extra $400,000 for the car parking.
The pavilion, on Main Rd, Research is home to the Research Junior Football Club, and the Research Eltham Collegians Cricket Club, both of whom are delighted with the project.
Research Junior Football Club, which hosts nine boys’ junior teams comprising some 290 players from U9 – U17, started this project about 12 years ago.
Football club committee member Roger Wilkinson said the upgrade would make a big difference, not only to the members but to the wider community.
“I am proud to have been part of the committees over the last 12 to 15 years whose ongoing combined efforts have helped achieve this outcome,” Mr Wilkinson said.
Research Eltham Collegians Cricket Club President Brad Purvis said the club had more than 150 junior players and about 100 senior and veteran players.
He was delighted the building would have an all abilities toilet particularly as the club took part in the Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association.
Mr Purvis said he believed the club was the only local one providing this opportunity to players of all abilities.
-With Nillumbik Shire Council
