Local sports clubs in Fitzroy can look forward to a new home ground advantage with major upgrades underway at Brunswick Street Oval.
Minister Spence today visited the oval to mark the official start of works, made possible by Labor's $12.8 million investment.
A new two-storey sports pavilion will include two female friendly change rooms, a first aid room, kiosk, social space and kitchen.
This will enable Fitzroy Football Club, Fitzroy Junior Football Club and Edinburgh Cricket Club to host more training and competitions.
Fitzroy Tennis Club's facilities are getting a revamp with the existing six courts set for an upgrade and two new courts on the way.
The clubhouse will also be relocated and improved.
Facilities in the historic Kevin Murray Stand are also having a facelift.
This includes upgrades to the public toilets, improved umpire changerooms, and new stairs.
External works will preserve the heritage status of the iconic building and bring it back to life.
The project will deliver more energy-efficient lighting around the precinct as well as landscaping improvements.
The works will support significant new employment opportunities during construction and operation.
Completion is expected in late 2027.
The Victorian Budget 2026/27 is providing $24 million to support the development of high-quality, accessible community sports infrastructure across the state, including through the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.
It's part of more than $2.4 billion Labor has invested in community sport and active recreation infrastructure.
Yarra City Council is contributing $3.58 million, Cricket Australia and the Australian Football League are contributing $100,000 each and Clifroy Bank is providing $50,000.
For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"We want more Victorians to participate in the sports they love."
"These facilities will meet the needs of these growing clubs while delivering jobs, stimulating the local economy and improving the health and wellbeing for locals."
Quotes attributable Member for Northern Metropolitan Sheena Watt MP
"Since 1884, the ground has been a major fixture in Melbourne's sporting scene. From hosting VFA and VFL games up until the late 1960's, to now being an important base for local footy, cricket, tennis and more."
"These upgrades are a game changer for the whole Fitzroy community - opening the door to a new era of opportunities to play, build new sport pathways and host big events."
