The Murrumbeena Park pavilion is set for a major facelift, transforming the local gathering point into an integrated community hub with multi-purpose spaces for sports clubs and community events.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack alongside Member for Higgins Dr Katie Allen attended the site today, saying the project would provide a home base to support the growth of local sporting and community groups.
"Vital infrastructure such as sporting grounds are the lifeblood of our local communities and I am very happy to see this project get underway," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"We understand many Australians are still reeling from the impacts of COVID-19, which is why our Government's ongoing $110 billion infrastructure pipeline is delivering local jobs and building local economies right across the country at a time when it is needed most."
Victorian Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said the project would facilitate many great future sporting events at Murrumbeena Park.
"An upgraded pavilion will help local sporting groups host visiting teams, and increase opportunities for the growing numbers of local footballers, netballers, bowlers, anglers and cricketers," Minister Spence said.
Federal Member for Higgins Dr Katie Allen said the finished project would contribute positively to local quality of life.
"The pavilion will include new separate change rooms for male and female players. The welcomed explosion in female participation in sport has necessitated additional change rooms to ensure our young women have the very best local facilities and encourages even further growth in participation, well into the future," Dr Allen said.
"The new facility will include a kitchen, an enclosed child play area, areas for umpires, additional meeting spaces, a terrace and a covered viewing area for watching games. These upgrades will benefit community groups including the Murrumbeena Football Netball Club, the Junior Football Club, the Cricket Club, the Bowls Club and the Oakdale Angling Club," Dr Allen said.
Glen Eira Mayor Margaret Esakoff said Council had responded to feedback from the community on earlier proposals for the project.
"As a result of community feedback, we made a number of changes to the design, for example we relocated the proposed shelter nearest to the Erindale Street entrance to the southern end of the junior oval," Cr Esakoff said.
"We are confident that when the project is finished in mid-2022, it will be well received by our community, and we thank the Australian and Victorian governments for partnering with us on this important project."
The project has been jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $4 million, the Victorian Government $2 million and Glen Eira City Council $5.9 million.
