Work on the centre started late last year and is scheduled for completion in late 2023, with construction of the steel skeleton now being installed using 1250 tonnes of structural steel manufactured right here in Victoria.
Backed by the Labor Government with a a $105 million investment along with a Knox City Council contribution of $27 million, the project will deliver new high-performance training and administration facilities for basketball, including WNBL and NBL teams.
It will also deliver 12 new indoor community courts for local basketball competition – bringing the total to 18 so more of the community can hit the courts.
Local organisations and clubs will be further supported with new administration facilities to support a broad range of sports, while a new gymnastics centre is being built to reflect the sport’s continued growth in the region.
New food and beverage venues along with a town square will add a communal meeting space for locals and visitors alike, while transport upgrades for the broader precinct will improve accessibility for the Knox Regional Sports Park.
Transforming construction hoarding around the site into storytelling of the land on which the State Basketball Centre is being built – proud Palawa woman and artist of the Mullum Mullum community Amanda Wright and Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place youth group, have created rich artworks that recognise their culture.
Through the Victorian Government’s Local Jobs First policy and Major Projects Skills Guarantee, small and medium sized businesses in Victoria are given more opportunities to compete for both large and small government contracts – helping create more local jobs, including for apprentices, trainees and cadets.
This project is being built with a minimum of 90 per cent local materials, with 10 per cent of total estimated work hours being delivered by apprentices, trainees and cadets.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“We’re supporting the next generation of sporting champions and the communities behind them, ensuring Victorians have access to first-class sporting facilities across the state.”
“Basketball is huge in Victoria, and we’re investing so more people can enjoy taking part in the sport they love, our top teams can train and be their best, and local sports have top class facilities.”
Quote attributable Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Ben Carroll
“We are putting local jobs first through the build of the new State Basketball Centre because we know how important it is to support Victorian businesses to win work on the major projects we are delivering for communities across Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Member for Monbulk James Merlino
“When this project is finished it’s expected to attract up to two million people a year – that will provide a massive boost to our local economy and support a large number of indirect jobs.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor
“I’m proud that we’re building the home of basketball right here in Knox! The amazing facilities will support thousands of locals to dream big and get involved and the state-of-the-art centre will welcome nearly two million visitors annually, who’ll also be able to enjoy a new town square space”.
Quote attributable to Member for Mount Waverley Matt Fregon
“Basketball is huge in Victoria, and we’re investing so more people can enjoy taking part in the sport they love, our top teams can train and be their best, and local sports have top class facilities.”
Reviewed 19 August 2022