New sports courts come to life

The City of Whittlesea’s newly elected councillors have toured the site where sporting dreams will be made for years to come.

The Regional Sports Precinct in Mernda represents a significant investment by Council in the health and happiness of the community.

Featuring an indoor stadium with four multi-purpose sports courts and eight outdoor netball courts, the facility will be a hub for recreational and competitive play.

Other features of the indoor stadium include changerooms, accessible toilets, foyer, reception, kiosk, office space, storage areas and more.

Earthworks to prepare the site for construction of the courts have been underway for many months and Council is expecting to award a construction tender this year.

City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Aidan McLindon said his fellow councillors enjoyed the opportunity to visit the site at the start of February.

“This is a project that has been years in the planning and to see it progressing so well is really exciting,” he said.

“The Regional Sports Precinct will be so important in promoting healthy and active lifestyles among our residents.

“But more than that, it will help to build social connections among people from all walks of life in our growing communities.”

Late last year, the Federal Government announced $11.5 million in funding across two programs to support the construction of the courts.

A $10 million grant from the Thriving Suburbs Program will go towards the cost of the indoor stadium, while $1.5 million from the Play Our Way Program will be put towards the outdoor netball courts.

This funding is in addition to a Victorian Government election commitment of $10 million towards the indoor stadium.

The State Government has also contributed $10 million from its Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution fund help build the transport infrastructure surrounding the site.

For more information visit Regional Sports Precinct webpage.