Local firm Nicholson Construction has won the contract to build Ballarat’s much anticipated Eureka Stadium.
Nicholson Construction boasts more than 120 years’ experience, positioned as the industry leader in construction across regional Victoria. In 2015, it won the highly coveted Master Builders Association of Victoria, Regional Commercial Builder of the Year.
The firm will work with renowned Melbourne firm, Peddle Thorp Architects, to deliver the project, including:
- Upgrading change rooms and match-day facilities to AFL standard
- Upgrading stadium seating, providing public shelters, toilets for all-abilities access, catering and food beverage facilities and ticketing infrastructure
- Improving lighting around the main oval and providing a video and electronic scoreboard
The revitalised stadium will deliver more than 5,000 undercover seats and a total stadium capacity of more than 11,000 spectators. Construction is slated for completion in time for the beginning of the 2017 AFL season.
The project is expected to create 38 construction jobs, attract an extra 1500 participants per year, draw another 21,000 visitors to Ballarat each year and increase annual tourism spending in the city by up to $3.6 million.
The Andrews Labor Government is investing more than $30 million in the Eureka precinct redevelopment, which includes upgrading Eureka Stadium, the Wendouree Sports and Events Centre and the C.E. Brown Reserve.
The new stadium will also cater for international acts and tournaments, bringing events to the region that would otherwise have to be held only in Melbourne or Geelong.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“With the announcement of Nicholson Construction as the construction partner for the Eureka Stadium project, the redevelopment is on track for the Western Bulldogs to play in 2017.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“Sporting precincts that are world-class like the Eureka Precinct in Ballarat, bring visitors, sporting clubs and fans to our region – and that’s a good thing.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“Nicholson Construction will help to build the world-class stadium that Ballarat deserves, allowing the Western Bulldogs to play AFL home-and-away matches in Ballarat, meaning more tourists and a stronger local economy.”
Quote attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson
"Council is very pleased that Ballarat's own Nicholson Construction has been awarded the $14 million contract to build our Eureka Stadium, adding new jobs and keeping this significant State Government investment in our local economy."
Reviewed 19 August 2020