By Ewen McRae
Construction on a multi-million dollar basketball stadium in Cobblebank will begin this month, after council signed the final contracts recently.
Part of an ongoing plan to transform the Cobblebank area, the six court indoor sports stadium on the corner of Ferris and Bridge roads is the largest value single project ever undertaken by Melton council.
The $31 million project is set to open in late-2021.
It will provide access to a range of sports including basketball, netball, badminton, table tennis, volleyball and futsal, along with school programs and community health and wellness programs.
Mayor Lara Carli said council was excited to take an important next step in the much-needed project.
“I’m really pleased that we’re now ready for works to begin on what will be a high quality, modern sports stadium,” Cr Carli said.
“Demand for sporting facilities in our city is fast growing, and this indoor stadium will make a big difference to sporting groups in Cobblebank, Melton and surrounds.”
Council originally planned for a five court stadium, but demand for a larger facility to cater for high growth in basketball and other sports in the region resulted in the plans expanded last year.
When complete, the facility will include six indoor high-ball courts (including showcourt and seating), player, referee and public amenities, administration and reception, flexible meeting and social spaces, kiosk and seating areas, and car parking.
Basketball is one of the fastest growing sports in the area, with Melton Basketball Association president Daniel Brady telling Star Weekly last year that more courts were desperately needed.
“By the time you build six we’ll need eight, by the time you build eight we’ll need 10 … there’s exponential growth in basketball across Melton,” he said.
“We’re very thankful to the council for getting us this stadium. This will help bring us into the 21st century.”
