Design work on a new $1.57 million modular pavilion at Estuary Reserve in Leopold is set to begin in January.
During Tuesday night’s meeting the Council awarded a design and construction contract for the project to KL Modular Systems (Aust) Pty Ltd after a competitive tender process.
The new facility will be home to FC Leopold, and will also benefit Leopold football and crickets clubs, which both use Estuary Reserve as a secondary ground.
Fully funded by the City of Greater Geelong, it will include a social space and kitchen, plus accessible gender neutral changerooms that meet Football Victoria’s standards.
The building will be designed with input from the tenant clubs, with an aim to provide a modern, fully functional, relocatable facility.
KL Modular Systems was selected for the project based on its experience, expertise and value for money.
Construction is expected to begin in July next year and finish by late 2021, ready for the start of the 2022 soccer season.
Mayor Stephanie Asher congratulated KL Modular Systems on its successful tender.
“We look forward to seeing them deliver a high standard facility for FC Leopold that helps the club further grow its participation base,” Mayor Asher said.
“The Council is investing heavily in facilities such as this because we recognise the importance of sporting participation to the community’s physical and mental health.”
Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said the existing facilities at the reserve were “bursting at the seams.”
“This new building will mean the world for FC Leopold and the other clubs who’ll get to make use of it,” Cr Sullivan said.
FC Leopold President Jared Larkins said he was eagerly awaiting the first shovel breaking dirt at Estuary Reserve and the completion of the new facility.
“As a club we are delighted to see the pavilion project progressing and extremely thankful for the support from the City of Greater Geelong, as well as our own members who have been tirelessly working behind the scenes,” Mr Larkins said.
“Not having the appropriate facilities since our inception in 2016 has been challenging to say the least, but to see the pavilion project taking the next steps towards completion brings us a great deal of excitement.”
