Knox Regional Netball Centre will be expanded to accommodate an expected increase of 1,000 players over the next 15 years.
The $15 million project will deliver two new indoor courts, change rooms, function rooms and observation deck, along with 180 extra parking bays and plenty of sheltered walkways.
The existing stadium will be expanded and refurbished, improving accessibility, spectator comfort, umpire facilities, first aid, administrative areas and storage.
Knox City Council Mayor, Cr Nicole Seymour said the upgrade would increase participation opportunities for all genders, ages and abilities, as well as expanding elite pathways programs.
“More than 6,000 netballers use the Regional Netball Centre each week, with more than 40 new teams joining over the past five years,” said Cr Seymour.
“Netball is Australia’s most popular female team sport, and we only expect demand to grow as participation opportunities are expanded for men and boys, as well as inclusion opportunities for all-abilities players.”
“Providing opportunities to participate in sport is crucial to supporting our community’s mental and physical wellbeing, as well as promoting connectedness and diverse, positive role models for our young sportspeople.”
“We are grateful to the Australian Government for contributing $4 million to support the completion of this exciting project.”
Federal Member for Aston, The Hon. Alan Tudge MP said the $4 million of federal funding will help transform the complex into a true regional centre for netball.
“Netball and the Knox Regional Netball Centre are both huge parts of our community’s life. These upgrades will really make the centre a destination for netball in the region and provide more opportunities to the thousands of people that use these facilities on a regular basis.”
“This was an important election commitment of mine and it is great to see it progress. I am very grateful to Knox Council for supporting this project and providing the rest of the funding, along with the many members of the community who showed their support by signing my petition.”
“I will always fight for better local sports facilities, because I believe they benefit the entire community by keeping people active and engaged and mentored by older people.”
In 2019, 180 games at the Regional Netball Centre were cancelled due to weather. The upgrade will double the number of indoor courts, allowing more games and training sessions to be held all year round. This supports local requirements, as an Eastern Region study into netball facilities previously found a deficit of indoor courts in the region.
The upgrade will also achieve a four-star energy rating using solar power, recycled materials, natural light and rain water retention systems incorporated into the landscape design.
A funding application has also been made to the Victorian Government. Designs are currently underway for the expanded stadium, with construction expected to be completed within two years.
