Work to upgrade the corridor between Alexandra Oval and the Ararat Skate Park is progressing well with tenders being advertised and design work being completed.
Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said the Alexandra Active Corridor work, worth $2.26 million in total, includes four separate projects:
- New netball courts and an upgrade of Alexandra Oval’s Olver Stand to include female and family friendly amenities;
- New safety lighting in the Alexandra Gardens and Skate Park precinct;
- The building of a new events space at Alexandra Oval; and,
- New walking paths, a multipurpose ball court and a rock-climbing wall at the skate park.
Dr Harrison said Council encouraged local businesses to tender for the work, with tenders for the lighting project now open, closing on July 16.
Tenders for the Olver Stand upgrade and the work around the skate park will be advertised soon after documents are finalised.
“One section of the project will see improved lighting in the gardens and skate park precinct featuring a mix of overhead and feature lighting, with the aim of improving safety for people who use the area in the early mornings and evenings,” he said.
“Tenders have closed for the netball court construction, with Council due to consider awarding the contract at the July Council meeting. Once the contract is awarded, we hope to start work as soon as we can, depending on weather conditions and contractor availability.”
Dr Harrison said tender documents are currently being finalised for the Olver Stand and event spaces work.
“This part of the project includes restoring the stand’s façade back to the original look, and an upgrade to the rooms at the rear to house a training area, memorabilia display, family room and female / family friendly amenities.
“A stand-alone building to house a kiosk and netball administration office will also be constructed.
“The events space will see the removal of the red seats at the front of the Olver Stand, replacing them with terraced seating. There will also be areas built to accommodate pop-up marquees for events.”
Dr Harrison said the four-part project will begin at various stages with all work completed by June 2020.
Council has contributed $781,000 towards the project with the balance coming from State Government grants. Council has already received a $750,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria, $500,000 from Regional Development Victoria, and $231,000 from the Department of Justice.
“The benefits of this project are going to be enormous for the whole region as this area attracts people from right across our municipality with football and netball players, sportspeople, families, young people and visitors using the space regularly,” he said.
“The precinct also attracts sporting clubs from outside our region, and tourists from all over Australia, so it’s really important for us to improve facilities there.”
