Work has started on the landmark redevelopment of the State Basketball Centre, a project that will take the game in Victoria to a new level for elite and community players.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today welcomed tip-off for major construction on the $132 million upgrade and expansion of Knox Regional Sports Park.
The Victorian Government has committed $105 million for the project, which will become Australia's premier basketball facility, with Knox City Council increasing its contribution from $25 million to $27 million.
The redevelopment will deliver high-performance facilities for the WNBL Deakin Melbourne Boomers and NBL South East Melbourne Phoenix and 12 new indoor courts for local competitions and statewide championships - taking the total number of indoor courts to 18.
The centre will provide an administrative base for the Boomers and Phoenix along with Basketball Australia, Basketball Victoria and Knox Basketball. The south-eastern suburbs drawcard will also host a regional gymnastics facility while players and supporters will enjoy the amenity of a new café and town square.
Once completed in 2023, the centre will host up to two million visitors a year. Australian construction company ADCO has been appointed to carry out the redevelopment, which will support more than 500 jobs in construction and more than 100 ongoing roles once completed.
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Victoria with half of all participation nationwide based in the state.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
"Victoria is the epicentre of basketball in Australia, and our state centre will become Australia's premier facility. It's a great result for players of all ages and standards and means the future of the game in Victoria is strong."
As stated by Member for Monbulk and Deputy Premier James Merlino
"Melbourne's south-east is fanatical about basketball and these courts will become part of the lives of so many young people in coming years. It's fantastic to see this ground-breaking project get up and running."
As stated by Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor
"This is a fantastic project that will deliver decades of enjoyment and opportunity for basketballers, gymnasts and other sports lovers - and ongoing jobs for locals."
As stated by Member for Mount Waverley Matt Fregon
"The State Basketball Centre redevelopment is a big project in anyone's language and with 500 construction jobs attached, so many in our local community are set to benefit from this project."
As stated by Knox City Council Mayor Lisa Cooper
"The upgrades will allow local sportspeople to have the chance to use professional facilities and experience the benefits of physical activity, team sport and the wonderful role modelling that can come from elite sporting heroes."
As stated by Basketball Victoria chief executive Nick Honey
"The State Basketball Centre project is at the cutting-edge of basketball infrastructure and we're thrilled to be part of this landmark development."
