More people are set to enjoy exercise, sports and spending time outdoors at Corben Oval, with quotes being sought to deliver the next stage of works to restore power to the site.
Corben Oval, located in Yarra Bend Park on Wurundjeri Country, is used by local school sporting teams and local soccer, football and cricket clubs for practice and competition sport. The pavilion provides changerooms for the sporting groups and a public toilet for people visiting the reserve.
However power to the site has been disconnected since 2019, due to a significant fault in the electrical power supply line. As a result, the pavilion, toilet block, lighting and barbecues in the Loop Picnic Area can’t be used.
A project is underway to install a new power connection along Yarra Bend Road and upgrade the Corben Oval Pavilion, which will bring life back to the facilities for visitors and sports users.
Parks Victoria is currently seeking quotes to deliver the next stage of works on the project, which will see civil works completed to provide the access and infrastructure needed for the high voltage electrical works.
Designs for the high voltage works, which involve installing power cables underground along Yarra Bend Road, have been provided by the local supply authority, Jemena. Jemena will also complete these works.
Parks Victoria will be seeking tenders for the delivery of the low voltage works early next year. When complete, the low voltage power connection will service the Corben Oval Pavilion, toilet block and Loop Picnic Area.
Pictured above: The pavilion at Corben Oval.
The project is being funded by a $1.6 million investment from the Victorian Government. It has already seen the repair of the pavilion roof, the installation of a new drinking fountain and upgrades to the building’s stormwater drainage earlier this year.
After the scope and costs for the civil and electrical works are confirmed, Parks Victoria can then determine if any further upgrades can be made to the pavilion.
Works planned at Corben Oval are delivered in consultation with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and Heritage Victoria, to ensure both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultural heritage is managed appropriately during and after works.
Further improvements are being delivered at Yarra Bend Park, including a $1 million upgrade at the nearby Deep Rock Pavilion funded by the Victorian Government, which will provide female-friendly and accessible facilities. The $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program is also providing new and upgraded pathways, barbecues, picnic tables and visitor shelters across the park.
