Anticipation is building about the $23.3 million redevelopment of Oakleigh Recreation Centre – the biggest project undertaken by Monash Council in more than 20 years.
Council tendered the construction contract in January. The contract is expected to be announced in April with construction to start in May.
Mayor Shane McCluskey said this exciting project would transform the existing centre into an outstanding integrated multi-purpose sports precinct, which would feature five new indoor basketball courts, a gymnasium upgrade and conversion of the existing stadium to a regional level gymnastics facility for the Waverley Gymnastics Club.
“This project is exciting for the community and frankly, we can’t wait to get started on this redevelopment that will deliver top-class facilities for the community,” Cr McCluskey said.
“The upgrade of this centre is in response to the encouraging growth of participation in sport amongst our local community and a desire to improve facilities, particularly for girls and women.
“The new home of Waverley Gymnastics Club will allow hundreds of children who are on the club’s waiting list to join classes,” Cr McCluskey said.
Council is contributing $17.2 million to the project. The gymnastics club is contributing $1 million and will move from its current home in Dorrington Drive, Mount Waverley to the Oakleigh Recreation Centre at the completion of the project.
The Federal Government is providing $2.1 million towards the gymnastics facility with the State Government contributing $3 million through Sports Recreation Victoria.
“This has been a complex project to undertake due to the challenges and constraints of the site which has delayed the start of the project. All works will now be completed in one stage to ensure that we complete the project as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Cr McCluskey said.
“This will require the closure of the gymnasium and stadium for the duration of works. The outdoor pool area is unaffected by the project and will continue to operate as a seasonal facility.”
Teams who have competed in stadium competitions have been advised that these competitions will no longer be offered or managed by Monash Council from the conclusion of the current season. Instead, Waverley Basketball Association, Waverley District Netball Association and Volleyball Victoria will be managing competitions in the stadium when it re-opens in late 2020.
The Oakleigh outdoor pool will be open during the 2019/20 summer period for the community to enjoy.
The project is expected to be completed by October 2020. You can view a fly-through video of the centre design at our website.
