Construction is commencing on a $14.4 million expansion of the Knox Regional Netball Centre to cater for future demand for the highest participation sport for females in Knox.
Knox City Council Mayor Lisa Cooper said expanding the centre would help to meet the increasing demand for netball facilities in the region.
“Sporting facilities, like this, play an important role in keeping people active and socially engaged,” said Mayor Cooper.
The Knox Regional Netball Centre is used by up to 6,000 netball players each week. In 2019, 180 games were cancelled due to weather. Mayor Coopers said the upgrade would double the number of indoor courts, allowing more games and training sessions to be held without being impacted by weather.
“This redevelopment will bring Knox Regional Netball Centre up to the highest standard expected of modern sporting facilities,” she said.
“We are grateful for the investment from the Victorian and Australian governments in sport in our city. This support shows the value that is being placed on sport, active living, accessible facilities and bringing our communities together again.”
The project will deliver:
- two new indoor courts, including change rooms, function rooms and observation deck;
- upgrades to the existing stadium including improved accessibility, spectator comfort, umpire facilities, first aid, administrative areas and storage;
- 180 extra parking spaces;
- sheltered walkways, landscaping and public art;
- four-star energy initiatives including solar power, recycled materials, natural light and rain water retention systems.
The project is being delivered by Knox City Council in partnership with the Victorian Government and the Australian Government, with construction set to get underway on 12 April.
The start of construction was celebrated last week with a sod-turning ceremony attended by Federal Member for Aston, Alan Tudge, State Member for Bayswater, Jackson Taylor and Mayor Cooper.
The project is expected to be completed by June 2022.
