A regional Victorian mecca for basketball, netball and events today received a massive boost with the Andrews Labor Government investing $9 million in the Wendouree Sports and Events Centre.
At least 34 jobs will be created during construction, with another 10 jobs when the centre is fully operational.
Basketball and netball have strong participation rates in the Ballarat region, but future growth has been limited by the current stadium.
The expanded Wendouree Sports and Events Centre will boost indoor sport participation rates in Ballarat by 10 per cent and also lift the precinct’s capacity to attract visitors for competitions, tournaments and events to 138,000 visitors annually by its fifth year of operation.
It will include four extra courts for multi-sport use, a 1500 seat show court with capacity for later expansion to 3000 seats, multipurpose learning rooms and sports medicine facilities.
It will also boast a change room and toilets, a staff administration area, a café, new car and bicycle parking, landscaping and a bus drop-off area.
The Labor Government is supporting the expansion project through its $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund to ensure regional Victoria continues to be a great place to live, work, play and visit.
The City of Ballarat, which will contribute $5 million towards the project today announced that Victorian architects, Mantric Architecture, will oversee the project.
The Government is providing $31.5 million towards the redevelopment of the Eureka precinct, which also includes upgrading Eureka Stadium, the revitalisation of the C.E. Brown Reserve and Ballarat Showgrounds.
Quotes attributable to Minster for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“We’re getting on with growing regional Victoria by backing community infrastructure projects that will bring more people to our regions – supporting local economies and creating more jobs.”
“Sport is often the lifeblood of regional Victoria and Ballarat is no different. Through our investment in both Eureka Stadium and the Wendouree Sports and Events Centre we’re giving Ballarat the sporting edge it deserves.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“Ballarat has a proud sporting history and we’re now taking it to the next level. This redevelopment will not only be a boost for jobs, but also a boost for our entire community.”
“This investment will bring more people to Ballarat more often – and that’s great for our city.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020