By Taylah Eastwell
Highly anticipated upgrades and expansions at the Knox Regional Netball Centre are a step closer to beginning, with an official turning of the sod occurring on 29 March.
Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor broke the ground to officially start work on the redevelopment of the indoor courts at the centre, funded through a $5 million grant from the government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.
With 18 outdoor and two indoor courts, the Knox Regional Netball Centre is home to over 2,900 players, including Mountain District Netball Association and teams in the Eastern Football and Netball League.
It is believed the netball centre had been struggling to cope with its growing demand, due to limited indoor court spaces.
The centre redevelopment will involve construction of an additional two indoor netball courts to Netball Victoria standards, complete with amenities including toilets, change rooms and storerooms.
Other works include upgrades to the entry, landscaping and more car parks.
Once complete, the redeveloped centre will provide a venue for local netball to host more teams and competitions. It is also hoped it will enable an expansion on local development and pathway programs.
Member for Bayswater, Jackson Taylor said the investment will support local economies by creating economic activity and jobs.
““Congratulations to the teams here from the Mountain District Netball Association and Eastern Football and Netball League – this boost will go a long way to support the growing number of people in Knox keen to get involved in local sport and recreation,” he said.
Mr Taylor acknowledged the Australian Government and Knox City Council for their commitment and financial contribution to the project.
For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit www.sport.vic.gov.au
