- Published:
- Monday 5 March 2018
Local Ballarat building firm Nicholson Construction has been appointed to deliver the Ballarat Sports and Events Centre expansion.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford was on site today, to mark the next step in this exciting project, which will support at least 55 jobs during construction and inject $56 million into the region’s economy.
The expanded centre will boost indoor sport participation in Ballarat by 10 per cent and lift the precinct’s capacity to attract visitors for competitions, tournaments and events.
It will include six new courts for multi-sport use (basketball, netball, volleyball and badminton), a 3,000-seat show court, multipurpose learning rooms and sports medicine facilities.
The project will also deliver new change rooms and toilets, a staff administration area, a café, car parking for 275 vehicles, landscaping and a bus drop-off area.
Once the upgraded centre is fully operational, it will generate another 10 jobs and it is expected to attract 138,000 visitors annually by its fifth year of operation.
The expanded venue will improve Ballarat’s capacity to host premier events with significant flow on effects for Ballarat’s economy.
The Andrews Labor Government is investing $9 million in the expansion project through its $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, which ensures regional Victoria continues to be a great place to live, work, and visit.
The City of Ballarat is contributing $5 million towards the project and the Federal Government is providing $10 million through the Building Better Regions Fund.
The project forms part of the Eureka Sports Precinct, and follows the Labor Government investment in Mars Stadium to secure AFL games in Ballarat, and investment in C.E. Brown Reserve club rooms – home of the Lake Wendouree Football and Netball Club.
Quotes attributable to Minster for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“Ballarat deserves the very best sporting facilities – and our investment will do just that.”
“Sport is so often the lifeblood of our rural communities, and Ballarat is no different. This new stadium will cement the city as a sporting mecca for years to come.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“This is fantastic news for our sporting stars of tomorrow and even better news for local jobs in Ballarat.”
“Ballarat has a proud sporting history and with our investment in the Wendouree Sports and Events Centre expansion and Mars Stadium, we’re taking it to the next level.”