Melton council has inspected options for $1 million worth of upgrades at City Vista Recreation Reserve (CVRR) but is yet to refer the project to the upcoming budget.
At a Melton council meeting last month a report was tabled on the options and costs to install a media tower and undercover grandstand seating at CVRR.
CVRR, established in 2019, is the Melton area’s only regional level soccer facility and is home to the Caroline Springs George Cross Football Club.
The stadium currently has more than 600 seats, and can fit a total of about 2000 people. It was built with a media room, but it does not have unimpeded sitelines, the club has been using a scaffolding tower to comply with Football Victoria requirements.
Council has costed undercover tiered seating that would add 240 seats and a professional level media stand would allow for higher-profile matches to be played at the stadium.
Council estimated a fully-enclosed media tower would cost $366,000 and the grandstand would cost $645,000.
The report was noted, however there was no mention of the costs being referred to the upcoming budget considerations.
Caroline Springs George Cross Football Club president Mark Sultana said it was “disappointing” to not see the project referred straight to the budget.
“It should be done sooner rather than later so we can bring the facility up to standard to attract a higher level of game,” he said.
“In the western suburbs it is the premier precinct so it should have the highest standard we can give it – We’ve always got to add value and keep it up to date.
Mr Sultana said that in his view, $1million sounds like an overestimation, however he thinks that the value will not be a waste regardless.
“Boutique stadiums are the way soccer will reestablish itself,” he said.
“We’re in a massive growth zone, so people will resonate with an exciting atmosphere in the area and it’ll grow the sport.”
Melton council Recreation and Facility Activation manager Aaron Biscan said there is still time for the upgrades to be considered in the council budget.
“Plans and costings for the proposal can be considered as part of council’s current and future budget deliberations,” he said.
Liam McNally
