A bigger and better future is set for the Geelong region's premier athletics venue, with works to begin on a transformative pavilion redevelopment project.
On Wednesday 17 September, Member for Geelong Christine Couzens joined Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM at Geelong's John Landy Athletics Field to announce that works will soon commence on a new two-storey pavilion.
The project is supported by a $5 million Victorian Government investment, as well as a $5 million contribution from the City of Greater Geelong.
The new pavilion, which will replace the existing, outdated 1979 facility, will feature a competition office, athlete change rooms, a canteen and kiosk, and multi-purpose rooms for use by athletes, schools and community groups.
Geelong Little Athletics, Geelong Athletics and Barwon Sports Academy will use the venue as their bases of operations where they will be better able to support their aspiring athletes with more spacious, modern facilities.
Once complete, the redeveloped venue is expected to boost grassroots participation in sports, enable Greater Geelong to host more regional athletics events and benefit athletes and the regional athletics scene by facilitating greater collaboration between clubs.
Set for completion late next year, the pavilion will bring trackside facilities in line with the Field's new World Athletics Class 2 accredited surface completed in December thanks to $1.5 million from the City of Greater Geelong.
The Victorian Government's Council Support Package is designed to assist local governments attract more visitors to rural and regional cities and towns, and create better public spaces that empower communities.
This latest investment in the Geelong region comes on the back of three other sports infrastructure projects delivered through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, including the Armstrong Creek Sports Centre, the Waurn Ponds Sports Complex and new hockey facilities at Stead Park.
Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
The construction of the new Landy Field Pavilion will elevate Geelong's position as a premier regional athletics location in Australia, and a must visit destination.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
The pavilion's state of the art facilities will be the catalyst for growth in regional athletics and sport and provide a fit-for-use space for local sporting clubs, schools, and communities.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
We have a bold vision for John Landy Athletics Field to be a major player in the track and field arena, and we were proud to lead the way with the $1.5 million council-funded track upgrade. The new pavilion builds on this momentum - we welcome the Victorian Government's investment in this important upgrade.
