Full steam ahead for Ararat reserve
Ararat Rural City Council has revealed detailed architectural designs for a Gordon Street Recreation Reserve redevelopment during a meeting with the reserve’s sporting and user groups.
Council chief executive Tim Harrison said he was ‘extremely’ proud to be able to present the detailed design plans to the community.
“The Gordon Street Recreation Reserve redevelopment will deliver a new premium sporting facility for Ararat with a very deliberate focus on increasing access and inclusion for women and juniors,” he said.
“After identifying there was a gap in the provision of playing surfaces for soccer and little athletics, we wanted to transform Gordon Street into a multi-use sporting precinct that also enhanced opportunities for AFLW and junior cricket.
“After working really hard with the local clubs and users and receiving strong support and endorsement from the state sporting associations, I’m proud that we’ve reached such an important milestone that we’re able to reveal the full design plans for the redevelopment.”
The council has published tender specifications for the project, which includes construction of the new multipurpose pavilion and sports-precinct lighting.
Clubs that attended the consultations at Alexandra Oval Community Centre included Ararat Storm Female Football Club, Ararat and District Little Athletics, Chalambar and St Andrews cricket clubs, Grampians Cricket Association, Ararat Pony Club and Mount Cole Equestrian Association.
“I’d encourage people interested in the project to jump on board our ‘Engage Ararat’ website and check out the designs,” Dr Harrison said.
“Project architects, Davidson Architecture, have done such an incredible job maximising form, function and inclusion.
“They have also produced some fantastic 3D artist renders that make it pretty easy to start getting excited about how this project will transform Gordon Street.
“With the project scheduled for completion in the first half of 2023, it’s not really that far away until the community can come and enjoy our new world-class recreation reserve.
“The council will be selecting contractors by Christmas and soon after, there will be shovels in the ground and a boom in construction jobs and activity.”
The State Government has provided $2.55million and the Federal Government $400,000 for the project.
The council is in charge of the redevelopment with endorsement and participation of AFL Victoria, Football Victoria, Cricket Victoria and Little Athletics Victoria.