The Melville Oval Facilities Redevelopment construction contract has been awarded to local building contractor Ultrabuild CG.
The tender, valued at $7,284,675.64 ex GST was awarded at a recent Council meeting and paves the way for one of the most significant construction projects in the Hamilton CBD for decades.
Southern Grampians Shire Mayor Councillor David Robertson said Council were thrilled to award the contract for such a significant project to a local contractor.
“We are very happy to be able to award the Melville Oval contract to Ultrabuild. Using a local contractor is a commitment to the growth and prosperity of our region.
“This contract award also includes at least seven local sub-contractors and other local suppliers which is fantastic for our region and something we’re very proud to support. We’re utilising the skills and expertise of our own talented people and in doing so not only stimulating our local economy, but also creating a sense of pride in the community.
Ryan Hatherell, Managing Director of Ultrabuild CG said they were excited to get started on the project.
“We’re really pleased to be working with Council on this fantastic project which will have a huge benefit to our local community. It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication and expertise of our team and we’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the region.
“We’ve taken big steps to grow our business and this project will really set us up for success in the future,” Mr Hatherell said.
The Melville Oval Facilities Redevelopment works were identified in the 2020 Hamilton CBD Masterplan and significant strategic planning and consultation with user groups has been conducted over the last 12 months.
The Melville Oval Facilities Redevelopment project includes:
• renovation of the existing heritage grandstand including new club changerooms, first aid and club official rooms;
• development of a new pavilion including a social room, kitchen and bar, netball change rooms, first-aid facilities and netball umpire rooms;
• two netball courts including competition lighting; and
• redevelopment of Market Place to accommodate the establishment of the new netball court on the western boundary of Melville Reserve.
Council allocated $3.970 million from the Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant towards the project and together with $4.043 million from the Federal Government Community Development Grant, the overall project budget is $8.28million.
“The Melville Oval Facility redevelopment will help deliver an improved user experience for sportspeople across the region while putting Hamilton on the sporting map for Western Victoria. It will provide a wonderful new pavilion for our community, right in the heart of town and through the improvement to the Lonsdale Street entrance, create important linkages through to our new CBD precinct,” Cr Robertson said.
As part of the Federal Government funding agreement for their contribution, works are required to be completed by December 2024. It is currently planned that the works will be completed within the requirements of the grant, with completion planned for September 2024 dependent on weather.
The first works to occur onsite will be in late July, with demolition works of the Greenkeeper shed, and the two club buildings. Works to commence the new pavilion, netball courts and the renovation of the Grandstand will follow and are expected to commence in early September 2023.
The Hamilton Kangaroos Football Club will continue at Melville Oval for training and games until demolition commences on 24 July, then relocate to another facility which is currently being finalised. Council continues to work with the Club to enable this temporary relocation and the return to the new facilities at Melville Oval.
Project progress updates will be shared with the community through Council’s media streams and Council reports.
