Building work on a major new $3.5 million changeroom development at Shell Reserve in Corio will begin next month, after the City of Greater Geelong Council awarded local firm Plan Group (Geelong) with the construction contract.
The project will see the demolition of outdated changerooms and the construction of a new change facility, which will provide members and players of the Corio Sports Club and Corio Cricket Club with a modern, accessible space to support their current operations and future participation growth.
Council committed to funding $3,081,000 for the project in June 2021 and secured a $500,000 State Government grant through the Sport and Recreation Victoria Local Sports Infrastructure Fund – Female Friendly Facilities stream.
The open tender process to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced contractor to undertake the works closed last month.
The design of the facility was completed by Loft Architecture in February 2022 and the project will commence next month.
It is estimated that the redevelopment will be completed in December this year.
Windermere ward Councillor Anthony Aitken:
The clubs are thrilled with council’s investment in their long-term future and the health of the local community.
With the continued growth of the Corio region, the redevelopment of Shell Reserve is an important project that will encourage residents to remain, or begin to become, physically active and engaged with the local sporting community.
This project will make Shell Reserve one of the best sporting facilities in the region, as it builds on other upgrades – namely the two new netball courts and a significant makeover for the cricket nets.
Council also contributed $975,000 to that project, which was vital to ensuring the respective tenant clubs and residents were given an opportunity to access high-quality facilities in their own neighbourhood.
It is so good that we are able to help create local jobs that will stimulate the economy and provide benefits for the wider Geelong community.
Member for Lara, The Honourable John Eren MP:
The project was an important one for residents in Geelong’s northern suburbs.
Congratulations to the Corio Sporting Club and the Corio Cricket Club – this boost will go a long way to support the growing number of people in Geelong’s North keen to get involved in local sport and recreation.
It’s a great example of how the Victorian Government is working with the City of Greater Geelong to make sport and recreation more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for more of our community.
The Victorian Government is giving communities like ours the facilities they need so more locals can play the sports they love.
