MASSIVE UPGRADE OF STATE NETBALL AND HOCKEY CENTRE BEGINS
The Andrews Labor Government’s massive upgrade of the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parkville has begun.
Premier Daniel Andrews, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula and Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams visited the Centre today to mark the start of construction on the new home for netball and hockey in Victoria.
The upgrade will replace the existing outdoor netball courts with six new indoor courts, a new indoor hockey facility, upgraded change facilities, a creche for parents playing at the centre, and a high-performance strength and conditioning gym. It will also build a new northern entrance, better connecting the centre to public transport.
The new state-of-the-art facility will cater for all levels of competition – providing playing fields for grassroots teams and a major training base for elite athletes in both sports – and be a world-class venue to host major state, national and international tournaments like the Hockey Pro-League.
The Labor Government has appointed contractor Kane Constructions to deliver the project, with close to 30 jobs to be created during construction. The project is scheduled to be complete in 2021.
The Centre is used by more than 6,000 people every week – 80 per cent of whom are girls and women.
The project is part of the $241.6 million package unveiled by the Labor Government last year – the biggest investment in women’s and community sport in Victoria’s history. On top of the State Netball and Hockey Centre upgrade, the package includes:
$20 million to redevelop Ikon Park into the home of women’s football
$13 million for Stage 2 of the Moorabbin Oval redevelopment, to build a range of community facilities and deliver upgrades that will enable the Saints AFLW team to play there from 2020
$10 million to improve playing conditions at Casey Fields and Whitten Oval for AFLW competition
$2 million for infrastructure upgrades for AFLW at Victoria Park.
During the election, Labor also announced a $31 million netball package. It includes $28 million for local netball projects and $2.8 million for Netball Victoria to employ game development officers at netball hubs across Victoria.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested more than $630 million in community sport and recreation facilities across Victoria – helping more Victorians get on the park and play the sport they love.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“We’re building a new home for the thousands of Victorians who play netball or hockey every week.” “From elite athletes to grassroot teams, this world-class venue facility will be accessible to all who love sport.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“This state-of-the-art facility will be a training base for elite athletes in netball and hockey and a world-class venue to host major state, national and international tournaments.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams
“This is a hub for female sport in Victoria, with thousands of women and girls using the Centre every week. We’re making sure they – and women across Victoria – have the facilities they need to train, compete and get involved.”
