Sarah Oliver
Moorabool council has awarded $27 million in tenders for the construction of an indoor sports stadium for Bacchus Marsh, a pavilion at Ballan Recreation Reserve and major upgrades at Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve.
Works on the indoor sports stadium is stage one of the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Reserve (MARC) project. The works include construction of four indoor courts, meeting rooms, a function space, change rooms, amenities, a car park, an entry road and landscaping.
The state government is providing $1.9 million for the project through the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund. Construction by Ballarat-based firm AW Nicholson will start in March with the project expected to be completed by May 2023.
The Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve Stage 2 project will see construction of hard courts, a car park and entry road, landscaping, lighting of the sports field and hard courts, and preparation work for the two grass ovals.
The state government funding for stages 2 and 3 of the $6.2 million project is being provided through the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program ($3.5 million) and the World Game Facilities Fund ($500,000). Contractor Turf One will start construction in mid-February and works are anticipated to be complete by December.
Ballan Sports Pavilion project will see construction of a new sporting pavilion with female friendly change rooms and amenities for players and umpires, a kitchen and canteen, storage facilities and a social room at Ballan Recreation Reserve.
Local Sports Infrastructure funding of $3 million has been provided by the state government for the project. Construction by WP Contractors will begin next month and is expected to be completed by October.
