THE much-needed upgrade of facilities at Herne Hill Reserve will be fast-tracked following the awarding of the tender for the $3.2m project by the City of Greater Geelong.
Council awarded the tender to Geelong-based Plan Group Pty Ltd on Tuesday night for the works, which will start early next month.
It will see the demolition of the two pavilions, which are home to St Joseph’s Football Netball Club and St Peter’s Cricket Club, and the construction of a larger multi-use pavilion.
Both the City of Greater Geelong and the Victorian Government have allocated $1.5m to the project, with Joeys contributing the balance.
“Council saw an opportunity to fast-track this project during what’s been a disrupted year of grassroots sport, so the community can enjoy the benefits of the new pavilion earlier than expected,” Mayor Stephanie Asher said in a statement.
The enhanced pavilion will allow for shared use between different clubs and groups and increased accessibility for all players and visitors.
Brownbill Ward councillor Peter Murrihy welcomed the decision to fast-track the project.
“This is an exciting project for the St Joseph’s Football and Netball Club and the St Peters Cricket Club,” he said.
“Having been involved in the early days of this project, I’m so proud that council has contributed $1.5 million from this year’s budget towards the pavilion.
“While it’s been a shame that the pandemic has put a stop to community sport, council’s decided to take advantage of this break and kickstart construction earlier than when we initially planned.”
St Joseph’s is hopeful the upgrade will be completed by Round 1, 2021.
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