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.