The commencement of an exciting multi-stage redevelopment of the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve will be marked today with the turning of the first sod by Mayor Cr Thomas Prince, Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters MP and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP.
The first stage includes construction of a new $3.77M pavilion funded with $1M from the Australian Government's Investing in Our Communities program, $1M from the Victorian Government's Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, $1.7M from the City of Greater Bendigo, $37,500 from Bendigo Cricket Club and $37,500 from Golden City Football Club.
The new pavilion will be located off Anderson Street and will have three distinct zones comprising:
- Entrance foyer
- A social/multipurpose area complete with bar, canteen/ kitchen, toilet facilities and office/meeting room and storage areas
- Four changerooms with two toilets and three showers in each
- Match officials' room with fully serviced private ensuite complete with changing spaces, toilet, and shower facilities
- Undercover spectator viewing area
- Landscaping and facility car parking including disability parking bays and connecting paths
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the new pavilion will meet today's service standards and expectations for accessibility, gender equity, sustainability, player safety and functionality and will serve more than 750 sporting and community participants who regularly use the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve.
"The project will address a significant service gap in the provision of quality and accessible sporting and community facilities for the North Bendigo community and will deliver on key strategic priorities identified by Senior Sporting Associations including, Football Federation Victoria AFL Central Victoria, and Cricket Victoria through the construction of new and improved facilities to support participation growth, quality, female friendly and accessible facilities to increase social, health and wellbeing outcomes," Cr Prince said.
"For many years, the City of Greater Bendigo has been delivering improvements at the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve that hold many social, health and wellbeing benefits for both sporting participants and members of the local and wider community aligned with the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve Masterplan 2012."
Lisa Chesters MP, Federal Member for Bendigo said she has always been a strong advocate for this project.
"I'm so pleased to see it become a reality, this is a really exciting moment for the clubs and community who use this space," Ms Chesters said.
"Our Investing in Our Communities Program is delivering community priorities right across the country that assist communities to build on their strengths and improve liveability, which is exactly what the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve is about.
"This is yet another demonstration of us acting not only on our election commitments, but on our broader commitment to develop Australian communities - including by delivering funding for projects that build opportunity and improve liveability.
"We made a promise to fund this vital project for Bendigo, and we are getting on with that job, with today's start of works being a critical step forward.
"I'm thrilled to be delivering on this commitment for Bendigo and look forward to seeing these works support employment and a much-needed boost to our local economy while delivering a project that will benefit the community for years to come."
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP said grassroots sport in Bendigo is booming.
"This new pavilion will ensure no one misses out on the opportunity to join in the fun," Ms Edwards said.
"This project has been a longtime coming, and I commend the clubs and their volunteers for their fantastic work in getting to this point.
"Sport and active recreation facilities like pavilions are a game changer for local sport and communities, they bring people together, help build lasting connections and provide a real boost to local economies."
Seasonal users of the new pavilion will include Golden City Football Club (all grades), Bendigo Cricket Club (junior and women), North Bendigo Football/Netball Club (juniors training) and the wider community.
Construction of the new pavilion is expected to be completed in September 2026.
