The City of Boroondara will take over management of the sportsground and pavilion in Fritsch Holzer Park under a 2-year trial agreement with the Victorian Department of Education.
The demand for sportsgrounds in Boroondara is high, and Council management of this ground and pavilion provides more opportunities for local sporting clubs and community participation. The sportsground was recently redeveloped on Department of Education land next to Swinburne Senior Secondary College.
Councillor Wes Gault, the Mayor of Boroondara said the oval would provide greater capacity to sporting clubs from across Boroondara, while opening more green space for thousands of residents living around nearby Camberwell Junction.
"The population of Boroondara has grown by nearly 35,000 people over the last 30 years, which has driven increased demand on our parks, gardens, and sporting ovals.
"This population growth will continue especially strongly in nearby Camberwell Junction, with that activity centre slated to add more than 10,000 residents over the coming decades.
Councillor for Junction Ward, Mal Osborne-Smith, who has followed the matter closely and been a strong supporter of the arrangement, welcomed the news, saying:
"I'm delighted this agreement with the Victorian Government will give our residents and local sports clubs a new green open space to enjoy in the heart of Camberwell, which as we all know is under considerable pressure to house more people in the coming decades.
"I look forward to enjoying a sausage on the sidelines over the coming months watching footy and cricket at their new home at the FHP (Fritsch Holter Park)."
Before Council assumed management of the ground, a range of minor modifications were completed to improve the playing surface and surrounding infrastructure. These works were funded by the Victorian Government and Council and included modifications to the drainage system, installation of cricket wicket covers, and development of on-site storage facilities.
During the 2-year trial period Council will undertake detailed assessments of the sportsground to better understand the long-term requirements and costs associated with potentially managing the site into the future.
The nearby Fritsch Holzer Park is a popular open space for local residents and is named after Augustus Fritsch and the Holzer brothers, who together established the Upper Hawthorn Brick Company on the site in 1883. At its peak, the factory employed around 50 people and produced approximately 250,000 bricks a week.
