- Minister for Community Sport
The Victorian Government is helping communities to transform sports venues and build female friendly change rooms and new recreation infrastructure with projects confirmed through the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced a $2 million boost to transform an ageing facility at St Albans into a new Health and Wellbeing Hub, one of many state-wide projects to benefit from a share in more than $30 million funding.
This investment recognises the demand for sport infrastructure across Victoria and includes additional funding provided through the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.
Once complete, the new St Albans Health and Wellbeing Hub will provide integrated aquatic, leisure, health and wellbeing services. It will feature a new 10-lane 50 metre pool, dedicated learn to swim pool, warm water pools with adjoining spas, two water slides, saunas, 24-hour gym, group fitness rooms and a wellness centre.
The works will also deliver a modern space dedicated to education and skills programs including Adult Migrant English classes. The project is expected to create 100 jobs during construction, including apprenticeships, and 120 positions post-construction.
Other projects to receive funding include $500,000 towards a new sports pavilion at Brentwood Reserve, Glen Waverley, which will feature four female friendly change rooms, unisex umpire amenities and undercover spectator area for locals to cheer the Glen Waverley Rovers Junior Football Club and Glen Waverley Cricket Club.
From change room upgrades to new aquatic centres, investments through the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund will not only provide high-quality and accessible facilities for Victorians, they are expected to create more than $240 million in local economic activity, supporting hundreds of construction, maintenance and operational jobs.
The fund is part of a $915 million Victorian Government investment in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014.
As noted by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"Victorian sporting clubs and their venues are the lifeblood of our suburbs and regional communities, and they deserve modern, accessible and safe facilities."
As noted by Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman
"This will be an absolute game-changer for the St Albans community, and an Australian first - delivering an integrated aquatic, leisure, health and wellbeing services for all to enjoy."
As noted by Member for Mt Waverley Matt Fregon
"We're providing communities like Glen Waverley with facilities that are accessible, cater for specific local needs, stimulate jobs and inspire more people to get active and healthy."
