Next stage for Ararat complex

Work on the next phase of an Alexandra Oval redevelopment is underway, with a project development group working on detailed designs for the Ararat precinct.

The group is working on designs for new netball courts, Olver Stand redevelopment and connecting pathways around the oval and to the Alexandra Gardens precinct.

Representatives from Ararat Eagles Football-netball Club, Ararat Football-netball Club, Grampians Cricket Association, East Grampians Health Service and Ararat Rural City Council officers are guiding the project.

A public tender is open to provide fully developed plans and costings for the next phase of the precinct development to enable funding to be sourced.

Group representative Jessica Brady said the project group’s vision was to further develop Alexandra Oval as the premier sporting facility for the region and municipality through the provision of high-quality sporting infrastructure.

“All representatives are pleased to be a part of a very dedicated and experienced group of people, passionately driving this important project forward, including two new netball courts and facilities for the wider Ararat community,” she said.

Ararat Rural City Council has a redevelopment master plan, which takes into account the three projects the group is working on.

Some components of the current master plan have been completed, including the construction of new change rooms and the new community centre.

The use of these facilities has continued to grow since stage one was completed in 2014.

Together with the development of active links to Alexandra Gardens, an open-space network precinct will become a focus for recreation and community life in Ararat.

Engagement will form part of the process to ensure wider consultation from all user groups with the aim of completing the planning by early 2018.