The restored Canberra Croquet Club clubhouse will be officially opened today, giving the croquet community a more accessible, comfortable place to stay active and socialise.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry said the restoration of the clubhouse is another example of the ACT Government's commitment to improving sporting infrastructure across our community.
"The restoration of the clubhouse was a significant undertaking and will provide a wonderful new space for the club to enjoy for many years to come," Minister Berry said.
"This project has been several years in the making, with the club working extremely hard to ensure all improvements were sensitive to the heritage and other sensitivities of the original building and its prominent location in the nation's capital.
"These croquet lawns are a piece of Canberra's history and it's great that the clubhouse now offers a more enjoyable space for members and the community to stay active."
The ACT Government provided a $410,000 Capital Assistance Program grant towards the project, which included the provision of disabled ramp access and bathroom, a kitchen upgrade, new storage and mallet rooms and the removal of hazardous materials.
The Canberra Croquet Club also contributed $100,000 to the clubhouse, which was built next to the Hyatt Hotel in 1933 and is heritage listed. The design and construction supervision of the project was undertaken by heritage architects Eric Martin & Associates.
"Thank you to all club members – and particularly to Yvonne Grattan, who contributed a significant donation in memory of her late husband John, which meant the kitchen could be upgraded," Minister Berry said.
Quotes attributable to Canberra Croquet Club President Greg Diprose:
"The Canberra Croquet Club is very appreciative of the funding support provided by the ACT Government to enable this project to be delivered.
"The completion of this project now provides a tremendous community asset which the whole Canberra community can utilise and participate in the sport of croquet.
"The provision of the new facility enables a more welcoming experience for all our members to enjoy including disability access, more efficient use of the lawns and a much improved storage space for the club."
