Knox Hockey Club will move to a new permanent home at Wantirna Reserve East, with a new facility to be constructed to support participation in hockey.
Following community consultation and assessment of various potential sites, Wantirna Reserve East was selected for its proximity to transport, minimal impact to local residents and ability to house an appropriate facility that meets the needs of hockey.
A new synthetic hockey pitch will be constructed to replace the existing cricket and football oval and will use the existing pavilion and car park.
Mayor, Cr Lisa Cooper said the new facility would allow more opportunities for local players.
"Hockey is a family-orientated sport that encourages diverse participation. It has a strong history of women's participation as well as welcoming older adults into their later years," said Cr Cooper.
"This new facility will establish Knox as a regional centre for hockey and allow the club to welcome new players and spectators.
"We've been working with Knox Hockey Club, the Knox School and other regional councils and partners for several years to find a new home that suits the needs of the club and the sport, and I'm pleased we've been able to secure a new local home for hockey within Knox."
Wantirna Cricket Club and Wantirna South Junior Football Club will be relocated as part of the redevelopment and Council is committed to working with these clubs to secure permanent homes.
Other user groups at Wantirna Reserve, including Wantirna Tennis Club, the 2nd Wantirna Scouts Group, Friends of Dandenong Creek and the Jazz Archives, were consulted and expressed their enthusiasm in seeing greater community use of the reserve, as well as looking forward to the opportunity to develop relationships with Knox Hockey Club.
Detailed designs will be completed this year, with construction to commence in early 2022 once planning approvals and a tender process have been completed. Council will continue to consult with groups that use the reserve and Knox Hockey Club will be engaged in the design process.
Knox Hockey Club has been located at the Knox School for more than 20 years, but due to a planned redevelopment were notified in 2017 that the space would no longer be available from the 2022 season.
