The netball and main pavilions at Stribling Reserve will be demolished this week, in preparation for their upgraded replacements at Lorne's major recreation facility.
The Stribling Reserve Pavilions Redevelopment Project will deliver a new netball pavilion and a main pavilion. Demolition of the current netball facility will pave the way for construction of new change rooms and amenities for home and away teams, an accessible toilet, an office, first aid/trainers' room, umpire amenities and storage.
While demolition of the netball pavilion was scheduled for mid-2020, demolition of the main pavilion has been brought forward due to COVID-19 restrictions limiting activities that can be held at the pavilion. This includes the cancellation of the 2020 Colac and District Football Netball League senior home-and-away season.
Cr Clive Goldsworthy said that the Project Control Group – made up of representatives from Committee for Lorne, Lorne Football Netball Club, Lorne P-12 College, Stribling Reserve Committee of Management and Surf Coast Shire – approved early demolition of the main pavilion.
"It's not going to significantly speed up construction of the main pavilions but it does make sense for the contractor to do both at the same time," he said. "It's going to enable site investigations to take place, which will help inform the design process."
The final design of the main pavilion is expected to be available for review later this year. Community members will be invited to provide input.
Cr Goldsworthy was looking forward to seeing construction of the netball pavilion progress in the coming months.
"It's currently on track to be completed by the end of this year," he said. "As well as benefitting Dolphins netballers and opposition clubs, it's going to be a great space for the wider community to use."
The main pavilion will also feature spaces that will benefit the community. Plans consist of a new second level with community/social spaces, northern entry, a commercial kitchen, the inclusion of unisex amenities to promote increased use by the adjacent school and female sporting participants, and provision of new public toilets.
"We know Stribling Reserve is vital to the health and wellbeing of the community," Cr Goldsworthy said. "This $6.5 million redevelopment of the pavilions is going to provide both locals and visitors with valuable opportunities to participate in a range of activities."
Surf Coast Shire Council acknowledges the funding of $3.3 million received from the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF). The BBRF grant is being matched by Council and community contributions.
To stay up-to-date with the Stribling Reserve Pavilions Redevelopment Project, visit www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/striblingreserve.
