Work on the new is underway following the awarding of the design services tender for the project.
Chief Executive Officer, Margot Stork said the tender process had been highly competitive, with a large number of responses received and considerable interest from experienced firms.
“The team awarded the tender showed an exceptional commitment to creatively working through the complexities of the project and delivering a precinct design that supports a broad range of community uses and raises the bar for sporting facilities in the Macedon Ranges,” Ms Stork said.
Council will now work with the successful design services team to develop concept plans for the project.
Ms Stork said the community would be able to contribute to the upcoming design process.
“Primary facility users will be involved in the design process and the broader community will be kept up to date as the project progresses, with opportunities to provide input at key points along the way.”
The design process will progress in four stages over the next year and will build on the information already gathered through two feasibility studies – New Gisborne Regional Sports Fields (2017) and Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub (2018).
The project has been designed to ensure it can be delivered in stages aligned with the amount of funding available. Currently $21.7 million has been committed to the project by Council, the Victorian Government and AFL Victoria. These funds will allow completion of the design and the first stage of construction. It was originally estimated the complete project would cost $41.4 million.
Council will continue to advocate for funding as the project progresses. The design consultant team will work with Council and the community to further engage with the Victorian and Australian Governments.
The design services tender was awarded to City Collective Pty. Ltd. The firm has recent experience on similar projects such as the Craigieburn Sport Stadium & Surrounds, St. Kilda Football Club RSEA Park Redevelopment and Netball SA Community Precinct. They will be supported by an experienced and collaborative team of sub-consultants.
The Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct will be spread across two interconnected sites in New Gisborne at the corner of Barringo Rd and Hamilton Road, providing facilities for important sport, health, fitness and community activities and events.
