More Victorian basketball players have their shot at sporting stardom under the Allan Labor Government, with the new world-class State Basketball Centre now complete.
Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today visited Victoria’s home of basketball in Wantirna South to officially open the new build extension.
This blockbuster centre will roll out a jam-packed program of basketball games at all levels – from NBL and WNBL training and matches to grassroots local basketball competitions.
With 12 new indoor community courts for local competitions, there are now a total of 18 indoor courts at the centre for players and fans to enjoy.
The centre also features a dedicated high-performance training and administration facility for teams including NBL team South-East Melbourne Phoenix and the WNBL’s Southside Flyers.
These administration facilities will also be used by local sports organisations and clubs to ensure more grassroots clubs have the best facilities and infrastructure to support basketball’s growth in Victoria for generations to come.
Knox Regional Sports Park precinct has also been boosted by a new town square with food and beverage venues, while road upgrades will make it easier and more accessible for locals and visitors to access the park.
The new world-class State Basketball Centre was delivered with a $105 million investment from the Victorian Government. Knox City Council also provided an additional $27 million in funding for the $132 million project.
Development Victoria worked with builder ADCO Constructions to use locally manufactured steel on the build with more than 90 per cent of total construction material coming from right here in Victoria.
More than 500 jobs were created during construction, with more than 100 ongoing jobs supporting the centre’s operations.
Works are underway to upgrade the existing original six basketball courts and surrounding admin and function spaces to further service the community and sport, due for completion by mid-2024.
Victoria is already Australia’s home of basketball, with participation numbers across the state equal to every other state combined. Since 2010, basketball participation in Victoria has grown by more than four per cent annually.
The State Basketball Centre will tomorrow host the clash between the South-East Melbourne Phoenix and the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL, with the Phoenix preparing for the match in the new high performance areas.
As stated by Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan
“We invest in projects like this because they create Victorian jobs, they support fans and local communities, and they give talented young people a better shot at success.”
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“Victorians love basketball more than any other state, and this investment means more Victorians can take part and dream of emulating their heroes around the world.”
As stated by Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins
“Hundreds of jobs were created through this investment, with 90 per cent of the construction material coming from right here in Victoria and 10 per cent of work hours completed by Victorian apprentices, trainees and cadets.”
As stated by Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor
“I’m stoked that the 12 new community courts and the new gymnastics hub will serve the Knox community for years to come and be a boon for our local economy.”
As stated by Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region Michael Galea
“The south-east is the heart of Basketball in Australia – that means more local facilities, visitors and jobs for locals.”
As stated by Knox City Council Mayor Jude Dwight
“We are proud to see Knox maintain its reputation as the heartland of basketball in the country. Improving our facilities for basketball and gymnastics means local people of all ages, genders and abilities will benefit from the opportunity to participate in sport and the wonderful role modelling that can come from rubbing shoulders with their elite sporting heroes.”
