A brand new $8 million sporting hub at Casey Fields is now complete as part of an effort to boost women’s facilities and further foster community sport in the City of Casey.
Earlier this year, stage one of the project was and now, following the completion of stage two, the hub is ready to be put to full use.
Stage two includes a new indoor training facility as well as a strength and conditioning centre. Features of this are:
- a 40-metre-long by 20-metre-wide synthetic surface of AFL standards
- two large folding glass doors (10m wide x 4m high) that open out on to the oval
- large nets from floor to ceiling at either end.
- a gymnasium and fitness equipment, including weight and cardio areas
- a foyer area and three accessible toilet areas, and
- future proofing for a mezzanine level down the track
City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM said this facility was the beginning of some exciting new opportunities for sportspeople across Casey, and the city itself.
“The facility improvements will enable Casey to attract elite level competition that brings financial benefits to Casey, and provides opportunities for the Casey community to have a first-hand experience of elite sport in their municipality,” Ms Duff said.
“This facility will also create more exciting pathways for young women in the area.”
The huge new project will also be accompanied by an impressive mural promoting female participation in sport, which is about to get underway.
Stage two followed an impressive suite of works, which were complete during stage one. These works saw:
- a total refurbishment of the lower level of the existing pavilion
- four new physio and doctors’ rooms
- a large ice-bath to assist player rehabilitation and an ice machine
- large strapping area for trainers
- a large women’s changeroom, which includes 45 lockers and bathroom amenities
- a lounge area for players to get together with their family’s post-match and,
- a new tiered meeting room, with a large inbuilt whiteboard.
The $8 million upgrades follow a joint funding announcement from the State Government, AFL and City of Casey in 2018, and was part of a $241.6 million boost by the State Government for elite women’s facilities and community sport.
The works were delivered through Sport and Recreation Victoria, which funded $5 million of the project, while Council contributed $2.5 million and the AFL, $500,000.
The wider community will also have access to this facility through partnership opportunities with the Casey Demons, the Melbourne Football Club and educational institutions.
These upgrades provide a female friendly pavilion at Casey Fields of an elite standard, and align with the broader 2018 Casey Fields Master Plan, which sets out to create a boutique stadium that fulfills the future needs of the Casey sporting community.
