Sarah Oliver
The highly anticipated Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve had its first sod turn this week, with works beginning on a new multipurpose community pavilion at the site.
Melton deputy mayor Lara Carli and Sunbury MP Josh Bull completed the sod turning ceremony at the oval, with plans for the pavilion redevelopment, oval realignment, and cricket net project ready to go ahead.
The new pavilion will be centrally located at the reserve and will replace three aged buildings which the council say are no longer fit for purpose.
Melton mayor Goran Kesic said the facility would make an important difference to the local community.
“The reserve will be transformed into a more inviting space for the whole community to share,” Cr Kesic said.
“As a central activity hub for the whole Diggers Rest community and fast-growing local sporting clubs, it will encourage people to stay active in sport and connect socially in hobby groups, school groups and more.”
The realignment of the oval will put it in close proximity to the new pavilion and the orientation will change to improve on field playing conditions.
A second story on the pavilion, including balconies facing each oval, will improve views for spectators.
The project will also include the addition of 90 car parks around the oval and construction of a new multi-use cricket net facility.
The project is funded with $8.15 million from council, and a $2.5 million contribution from the Victorian government Growing Suburbs Fund.
An additional $1.5 million will come from the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program, together with $100,000 from the Community Cricket Program.
“I’m confident it will make a meaningful difference to the people who call Diggers Rest home and we’re grateful that the State Government has partnered with us on this outstanding project,” Cr Kesic said.
The works are set to be complete by September 2022.
