Improving accessibility and inclusivity is at the heart of upgrades to the McDonald Reserve pavilion at Belmont.
The $2.75 million project will include a new pavilion to make the facility more female friendly to encourage women and junior participation in sport and will also encompass a refurbishment of existing home change room amenities.
The works will also include female-friendly umpires' change rooms, two storage rooms for football and cricket, and an accessible coaches' box, timekeepers' room and storage via a lift on level two.
A new veranda overlooking oval 1 will also be the perfect spot to soak up all the action from local sport.
Bowden Group has been appointed to construct the project.
Once completed, the modern pavilion will support both the South Barwon Football Netball Club and the Highton Cricket Club to cater for their continued growth and encourage greater participation in sport.
Club members, participants and residents who use the reserve can also expect to enjoy an even greater community experience thanks to the inclusive, modern and connected design.
The pavilion upgrade is being developed by the City and the South Barwon Football Netball Club in partnership with the Victorian Government.
The City will manage the planning and delivery of this project, highlighting our commitment to ensuring fair access to community infrastructure.
The Victorian Government is contributing $2.5 million to the upgrade, and the South Barwon Football Netball Club is investing $250,000 to improve the future of sport.
Upon completion, the City will take on ownership of the new facility, and manage the ongoing maintenance and renewal responsibilities, which forms part of our $6 billion asset base.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
McDonald Reserve is a much-loved part of Belmont, and this upgrade reflects the passion and hard work of the South Barwon Swans and Highton Cricket Club - clubs that know how much a great local facility matters to players, volunteers and families.Fit-for-purpose facilities for women and girls send a simple but powerful message - you belong here. That's why the Allan Labor Government is backing this project, to give local clubs the spaces they need to support everyone, now and into the future.
This redevelopment is a real team effort — driven by local clubs and backed by the Allan Labor Government — delivering a modern, welcoming space where community sport can grow and people can keep coming together.
South Barwon Football Netball Club president Tim Sherman
We are excited to see construction get underway to improve the facilities at McDonald Reserve.It's wonderful to partner with the City of Greater Geelong and the Victorian Government to deliver a project that will directly benefit the community.
This redevelopment aligns with our continued commitment to female football, and the direct access to our second oval ensures our junior teams become more closely connected to our club.
Once completed, we hope the improvement will encourage more people to engage in local sport and enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits.
Barrabool Hills Ward Councillor Ron Nelson
We're proud to partner with the Victorian Government and the South Barwon Football Netball Club to deliver an upgraded pavilion that will encourage more people to get involved in local sport.We know that better infrastructure means better opportunity for people of all ages, gender, and ability to have a go.
Following an open tender process, Bowden Group was found to be the most suitably qualified to deliver the works, and we are excited to see the completed build.
