Council endorses $33M stage 1 for Shepparton Sports & Events Centre
By Aaron Cordy
AFTER the original plans needed to be put aside due to a lack of funding, Greater Shepparton City Council has endorsed a new staged approach for the Shepparton Sports & Events Centre upgrade, at the latest Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 27.
Following previous design work completed in 2021, the stadium redevelopment construction was initially estimated at $60M. Due to the current political climate, the feasibility of secure government funding and the need to create a financially responsible project, Council has agreed that a staged approach is the most suitable option.
While the upgrade promises to make local sporting competitions a lot easier to manage for teams young and old, it will be the bigger picture opportunities the upgrade brings that will benefit the greater community. The ability to host not only bigger sporting events but also community events and the possibility of concerts will be a huge boost for the local economy.
At the August meeting, Council endorsed an option for Stage 1, estimated at $33M. This design includes:
Three multi-use courts with retractable seating for between 2,500 and 3,000 spectators
Cafe/kitchen area to cater for large groups
Reception area with a 180-degree vision of the stadium
Change space facilities
Office space and storage
Meeting room and additional accessible toilets
Space for future development
Mayor, Cr Shane Sali, said the endorsement of this new plan and staged approach was an exciting step in the right direction.
“Council is committed to our sports facilities, and it is one of our biggest priorities for the region. This staged approach makes it more achievable and affordable while prioritising our community’s needs. This will help us work towards state and federal funding, which is required for the completion of this project,” he said.
“Once constructed, the Shepparton Sports & Events Centre will provide a significant economic boost to the region. We will be able to host national and state events, non-sporting events and increase the ability for local sporting leagues to expand. It will be a game changer for Greater Shepparton.”
