Sebastopol's sporting hub just keeps getting better, with significant progress being made towards the transformation of Marty Busch Reserve.
The major overhaul of the sporting precinct, funded by the State Government and City of Ballarat, involves seven different projects as part of the implementation of the Marty Busch Reserve Master Plan.
Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison joined City of Ballarat Councillor Ted Lapkin on Monday to inspect the latest works and for a tour of the facility.
Since the last tour of the facility in March, the new netball court and adjoining lighting upgrades have been completed and are now in full use, while the new cricket nets are currently being constructed and will be ready for the upcoming cricket season.
The City of Ballarat can now also reveal concept designs of the new changerooms and pavilion, which will overlook the number two oval, also known as the Dick Fleming Oval.
The new facility will provide two separate change rooms including toilets and showers in line with AFL Victoria guidelines, separate rooms for umpires and timekeepers, a kiosk and kitchen, a social space, an office, an undercover viewing area and a car park.
A tender for construction is expected to be issued before the end of the year, with a view to start building early in 2026.
Cr Lapkin said it was exciting to see the Marty Busch Reserve Master Plan, adopted by Council in April 2023, becoming a reality.
The State Government has committed $8.4 million towards the Marty Busch Reserve Master Plan, while the City of Ballarat has currently committed $1.026 million.
"We had a real vision of what Marty Busch Reserve could become and we are thrilled to see the evolution of the sporting precinct," Cr Lapkin said.
"From footy and netball to cricket and cycling, there are so many different uses of this area and it will become a vital recreation hub for generations to come."
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the project would transform the sporting hub.
"Thanks to the Victorian Government's huge investment, Marty Busch Reserve is being transformed into a first-class sporting precinct for the Sebastopol community," she said.
"I am proud to be supporting local sporting clubs, encouraging participation, and creating a vibrant hub for the Sebastopol community."
The latest and current upgrades follow a previous series of works at Marty Busch Reserve, which has already seen a complete overhaul and resurfacing of the number two oval, along with new lighting and a new electronic scoreboard.
Design work on the new criterium cycling track, as well as the upgrade and relocation of the CFA fire and marshall track is also progressing, with construction expected to start in the second half of 2026.
