Horsham Rural City Council has appointed Locks Constructions to build two new netball courts at Horsham City Oval.
The Horsham company was awarded an $880,000 contract at Monday night’s February Council Meeting following an open and competitive tender process.
The works will include LED lighting and two supporting shelters and are part of a wider $3.2 million netball upgrade that will also deliver a new community pavilion and change rooms with accessible showers and toilets, player and spectator amenities, an office, social room, storage facilities and umpires room.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said construction of the courts was expected to be completed by September.
“It’s a very exciting project for Council and I know there is huge anticipation from the community to see the work begin,” she said.
“Netball is a widely popular sport here in the Wimmera so it’s great to see the progress we are making in offering keen netballers and spectators better court facilities and improved accessibility around the site.
“Whether residents are playing for fun or forging a path to greatness, Council remains committed to ensuring they have access to the high-quality facilities they need to train and compete, or simply to get out and enjoy an active lifestyle,” Cr Gulline said.
Council has worked with City Oval user group Horsham Demons Football and Netball Club to help limit disruption to its 2023 season.
“The Demons will continue to play football at City Oval this season without disruption. Council has been working for several months to facilitate interim netball facilities for home games and training and the Demons have booked the St Brigid’s College netball courts for their home games, as these fortunately do not conflict with the Horsham Saints’ home games,” Cr Gulline said.
“A suitable training location is close to being agreed upon,” she said.
The City Oval netball facilities upgrade is being funded by all three levels of government and Council will soon invite tenders for the construction of the pavilion.
The City Oval/Sawyer Park redevelopment project is one of seven precincts included in the City to River Masterplan, and is the second to progress after work started on the riverfront precinct in 2021.
HRCC last year secured $2 million from the Victoria Government to build a multifunctional stage that will better connect City Oval with Sawyer Park.
Council is seeking further money for projects such as a new cricket/football community pavilion with modern change rooms and the expansion of the City Oval playing field.
