One of Ballarat's oldest pieces of sporting infrastructure is undergoing a major facelift to bring it into line with modern standards while conserving its heritage.
The City Oval changerooms refurbishment project is about to get under way, set to transform the internal facilities within the 127-year-old grandstand.
The project will upgrade the existing two changerooms located under the historic grandstand to ensure they are fully compliant and female-friendly, while also rectifying structural issues to ensure the building's longevity.
The works will also include new wall linings, flooring, changeroom spaces, medical rooms, and storage, while also adding new toilets and showers.
Builder Plan Group has been appointed to carry out the works, following design from Morton + Co Architects, which are expected to be complete in mid-2026.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the works would ensure the heritage-listed grandstand would not only meet modern accessibility standards, but also remain intact for generations to come.
"City Oval is one of Ballarat's most historic and well-loved community spaces," she said.
"Investing in the grandstand is about more than upgrading facilities, it is about delivering facilities that are inclusive and accessible for everybody.
"By bringing the grandstand amenity up to modern standards we are giving the community the facilities they deserve."
The City Oval Grandstand was built in 1898 and is one of the most elaborate surviving Victorian grandstands in the state.
One remarkable feature is the three square pavilions protruding from the roof of the building, each with a flagpole on top.
All works to be carried out have been reviewed and approved by City of Ballarat's Heritage Advisor.
The City of Ballarat has worked closely with the Redan Football Netball Club in planning the upgrade. During the work, the club will still be able to utilise the ground in the lead up to the 2026 BFNL season, as well as the netball court and their social space.
Starting this month there will also be a turf renovation undertaken to the playing surface of the oval.
Access to the playing surface is expected to be restricted until early January.
It will be the first work on the playing surface since it was completely reconstructed in 2017, with the surface expected to be re-opened to the public in January 2026.
