The Stadium in Swan Hill has had a facelift thanks to a partnership between Swan Hill Rural City Council and the facility’s sporting user groups.
New spectator viewing areas, access ramp, seating and exterior cladding are being installed.
Local contractor RTM Constructions has undertaken the work in recent months while The Stadium has been closed due to coronavirus restrictions.
Mayor Bill Moar said The Stadium was an important local facility for sports including basketball, badminton, squash, futsal and indoor netball, and is home to AFL Central Murray. It hosts weekly local sport and major statewide tournaments.
“These upgrades modernise The Stadium and provide better access to get around The Stadium once you’re inside,” Cr Moar said.
“It is a real credit to the sporting groups that use The Stadium – they pushed for the upgrade, applied for the bulk of funding, and have been great advocates of the work as it has been done.”
Swan Hill Basketball Association’s Stephen Davies applied for funding through the State Government’s Pick My Project grant scheme in 2018.
The Stadium project received 223 votes and was one of three Swan Hill region projects ultimately funded. Pick My Project contributed $200,000 and Council an additional $100,000.
“On behalf of the outgoing Committee of Management I am really excited to see the finished project,” he said.
“I hope the modernisation of our stadium is well received, but more importantly I’m looking forward to incorporating new user groups now that there is better access for all abilities to view and participate on all of our courts.
“What a great way to get back to sport after COVID-19 is over, enjoying an upgraded facility.”
Key elements of the upgrade are:
- a new enclosed all abilities access ramp with auto door
- new spectator viewing windows between the foyer/kiosk and courts 1 and 2
- renewed spectator seating and scorer’s bench between courts 2 and 3
- new exterior cladding to the west and north walls
The work is expected to be complete by the end of May, ready for when coronavirus restrictions are eased to allow The Stadium to open.
