Construction began last week to transform Albert Park’s historic Lakeside Oval into the state’s premier sports centre for elite athletes as part of a major $50 million redevelopment.
Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas marked the start of works today with Member for Albert Park Martin Foley and said the redevelopment also secured the future of more than 150 years of sporting history at Lakeside Oval.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to build for the future, investing in projects that generate thousands of jobs, boost the local economy and in this case, support elite and community sport in Victoria,” Mr Pallas said.
“The redevelopment of Lakeside Oval is part of a $50 million commitment from the Government to deliver world class facilities for athletes, sporting clubs and the wider community.
“The Albert Park precinct will be transformed into an elite training and competition centre, boasting an international running track and support facilities that will host international, school and community athletics competitions.
“The heritage grandstand, constructed in 1926, will be restored to become the new home of the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS), helping to reaffirm Victoria’s position as an international sporting destination with premier events and world class infrastructure.
“Watpac Limited will deliver the new facilities, creating more than 80 jobs and injecting around $146 million into the Victorian economy during construction alone.”
Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino said the start of works on the new home for the VIS and Athletics Victoria also secured the future of the historic Lakeside Oval.
“During the last 150 years Lakeside has played host to cricket, Australian Rules football and grand final, running, cycling, baseball, soccer and even hurling. This redevelopment will make sure that Lakeside remains a centre for sporting excellence for many years to come,” he said.
“The works will also support the oval’s current tenants, the South Melbourne Football Club, with upgrades to soccer competition and administration facilities, while other facilities will include pole vaulting, high jump and javelin areas as well as presentation and officials’ rooms.”
In addition to this project, the Government has also committed an additional $5.5 million to develop a new home for Athletics Australia at the precinct.
Mr Foley said the impressive new facilities would open up increased opportunities for elite and community participation in athletics, football, rugby and Ultimate Frisbee as well as providing sports infrastructure for local schools.
“With these great new facilities on our doorstop, this presents new and fantastic opportunities for local schools and the wider community to get involved in sport and recreation,” Mr Foley said.
Works at the Lakeside Oval redevelopment are expected to be complete in 2011.