By Tyler Wright
The Alma Treloar Reserve amphitheatre upgrade project is well underway in Cockatoo, with Cardinia Shire Council hoping to deliver a “fantastic new, accessible” performing arts space for the community.
The council’s manager of active and connected communities, Kristen Jackson, told the Star Mail said works on the upgrade will include rebuilding the existing amphitheatre and stage, installing a new shade sail, a picnic and BBQ area, seats, tables and landscaping.
“These upgrades will increase the amenity and appeal of the reserve to visitors, significantly reduce the ongoing maintenance requirements and will offer a more comfortable experience for the audience, improving accessibility for older residents and people with limited mobility,” Ms Jackson said.
Ms Jackson said Exco Construct has been contracted to deliver the project, which is part of the “ongoing implementation” of the Alma Treloar Reserve Masterplan.
“The cost of the upgrade is about $573,000 and is being funded by Cardinia Shire Council, the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs fund and the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund,” she said.
“These works are currently underway at Alma Treloar Reserve, located at 73 Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, Cockatoo.”
Connecting Cockatoo Communities chairperson, Tate McFarlane, said the Alma Treloar Reserve masterplan, including the construction of a new amphitheatre, will be a “great contribution” to promoting community as well as outdoor activities in the space.
“It’ll be utilised by the township for Australia Day as well as the annual Easter egg hunt. It will also be utilised by the Cockatoo Country Market for their Twilight series and for the Christmas get together,” Mr McFarlane said.
“That area has certainly grown in popularity as far as utilisation with the introduction of barbecues down there and the playground.
“Four or five years ago it was identified and we discussed with the council the fact that the amphitheatre did need to be upgraded, so we’re grateful for the council to actually be putting the funds forward and getting that facility upgraded.”
The construction of a new off-leash dog park, a pump track and the demolition and reconstruction of the reserve’s southern tennis courts are also part of the council’s masterplan.
“There is going to be public toilets now available in that area for young families and for people utilising the dog park, which is also good,” Mr McFarlane said.
“It will be nice if council could hurry up and finish off reconditioning refurbishment works to the Allan Bailey Hall because at the moment the scout group is unable to operate out of there…that’s been out of action since the start of the year.”
Cardinia Shire Council’s manager of buildings and facilities, Jarrad Unsworth, said the Allan Bailey Hall is currently closed due to “health and safety concerns”.
“A tender recently went out and a successful contractor has been chosen,” Mr Unsworth said.
“They are scheduled to meet onsite with council next week and works will be scheduled.”
