With shovel striking soil for the first time, construction of the new $14.73 million, two-level pavilion and 500 undercover seat grandstand at Oakleigh’s Jack Edwards Reserve is underway.
Monash Council’s vision of a game changing facility, at the home of ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Premier League’s Oakleigh Cannons Football Club, will now start to take a more physical form after Monash Mayor Cr Nicky Luo, Minister for ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Affairs and Federal Member for Hotham The Hon Clare O’Neil and State Member for Oakleigh The Hon Steve Dimopoulos officially launched the construction phase of the project at a sod turning event on Friday 17 May.
Monash Councillors Cr Theo Zographos and Cr Stuart James, as well as Oakleigh Cannons’ President Stan Papayianneris and Chairman Kon Kavalakis were also on hand at the construction launch.
The new pavilion will meet ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Premier League standards and accommodate an increase in football participation, particularly for women and girls.
Redevelopment of Jack Edwards Reserve will include:
- Four female-friendly change rooms
- Two female-friendly referees change rooms
- A large social space and outdoor deck
- First aid room
- Timekeeper and media room
- 500 undercover seat grandstand
- An upgrade of the field lighting to LED and 500 lux
- Landscaping and supporting infrastructure.
Monash Council awarded the construction tender for the project to FIMMA Constructions at its meeting on 30 April. FIMMA has delivered a large number of community and sporting facilities, including Bennettswood Reserve Sports Pavilion, Duncan MacKinnon Reserve Pavilion and Community Centre, Bonbeach Lifesaving Club Redevelopment, Parkdale Yacht Club Redevelopment and the Dunlop Sports Pavilion in East Malvern.
The total project budget of $14.73 million includes an $8.2 million commitment from Council, $4 million from the Victorian Government, $2 million from the Australian Government and $530,000 from the Oakleigh Cannons. The redevelopment is being delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government, through the Community Support Fund, and the Australian Government, through the Investing in Our Communities Program.
Monash Mayor Cr Nicky Luo is thrilled that construction has commenced on this game-changing venue.
“This development will mean so much for grassroots football in Monash, including helping the Oakleigh Cannons to establish a women’s program. The new facilities will also be available to other local groups and organisations, making it a tremendous community asset.
“Just two years ago we saw what is possible for a local grassroots club, when the Cannons reached the semi-finals of Football Australia’s prestigious knockout competition, the Australia Cup, upsetting A-League giants Sydney FC along the way.
“I look forward to the Cannons writing new pages in their history book at this exciting new venue and I congratulate both the Cannons and my colleague Cr Paul Klisaris for their advocacy and work with the Victorian and Australian governments to make this great community outcome possible.
Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos added.
“With the Matildas and Socceroos doing us proud on the world stage, local football is booming. That’s why it’s more important than ever that locals have modern and accessible facilities so they can enjoy the game they love.
“Sport and active recreation is not just good for our physical and mental health; it brings people together and builds communities.
Detailed designs were completed in November 2023 with construction planned to start in late-May 2024 and finish by the end of September 2025.
Keep up to date with the project at:
