- Published:
- Friday 4 December 2015
Community consultation on the development of Ballarat’s Eureka Stadium and other nearby facilities have begun with members of the public being given the opportunity to provide feedback on design concepts late yesterday.
Preliminary design concepts were released last month and feedback from the meeting will be considered by lead architects, Peddle Thorp Architects before the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne will be asked to consider a final design.
The transformation of Ballarat’s Northern Oval will deliver more than 5,000 undercover seats in a new grandstand. The ground will have a total capacity of more than 11,000 people.
Construction of the new stadium is expected to begin in 2016 and the Western Bulldogs are on track to play their first match at the ground in 2017, with more matches to follow in 2018.
The project is expected to create 38 construction jobs and attract an extra 1,500 participants to stadium activities each year. Staging Western Bulldogs matches in Ballarat is expected to draw another 21,000 visitors to the city each year and boost tourism spending by up to $3.6 million.
Work to realign the Northern Oval’s orientation to meet AFL and Western Bulldogs requirements is well progressed. The new playing surface will be the same size as Etihad Stadium which will create more room for the proposed grandstands, facilities for players and spectators.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing a total of $31.5 million towards the Eureka precinct redevelopment, which includes upgrading Eureka Stadium, the Wendouree Sports and Events Centre, the C.E. Brown Reserve redevelopment and the Ballarat Showgrounds.
Through the $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, the Government is supporting projects like Eureka Stadium to boost business and bring more visitors to regional Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford
“We’re getting on with bringing AFL to Ballarat. This will bring thousands of visitors to our city, filling our cafes and motel rooms and creating jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree, Sharon Knight
“Community input into major projects helps make sure the end product meets the needs of Ballarat residents.”
“It’s so exciting that AFL is coming to Ballarat. This is great for our economy and great for our community.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong, Geoff Howard
“The creation of Eureka Stadium and upgrading facilities nearby will put Ballarat on the regional sporting calendar.”