Sport
22 January, 2025
HRCC receives federal funding for new community pavilion at City Oval
Construction is set to take place in the second half of 2025.
Horsham Rural City Council has welcomed $4.8 million from the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program to help build a new community pavilion at Horsham City Oval.
The $9.6 million project will see the development of a multi-purpose community pavilion, AFL-compliant change rooms, a food kiosk, ticket boxes, and landscaping at the main precinct entrance.
"The new community pavilion is a much-needed addition to Horsham City Oval," HRCC mayor Ian Ross said.
"Securing funding for this project is a fantastic result for our community. We sincerely thank the Australian Government for its investment in our regional city, which will be appreciated for many decades to come."
The new pavilion will replace outdated facilities, ensuring Horsham City Oval remains a premier venue for key sporting and tourism events in the Wimmera region.
A single-storey building will serve as a shared community space, featuring seating for up to 200 people, accessible amenities, catering and conference facilities and meeting rooms.
The project also includes the construction of AFL-compliant multi-purpose change rooms, umpire amenities, a medical room, storage, a gym, public toilets, and a covered verandah for an all-weather walkway and viewing area.
Additional developments include a new north-west precinct area with a food kiosk, ticket box, and landscaping as well as a second ticket box at the oval's southern entry and a new south-west entry.
"Recognition should also go to members of the Community Reference Group who were instrumental in the City Oval/Sawyer Park concept design process," Cr Ross said.
Construction is set to begin in the second half of 2025, following a tender process.
HRCC will collaborate with user groups such as the Horsham Cricket Association, Horsham Football and Netball Club and other City Oval stakeholders to minimise disruptions during the construction period.
Council's co-contribution is $4.8 million, as allocated in the capital works program.
The development of the City Oval and Sawyer Park Concept Plan has involved extensive community engagement which started in November 2020, including collaboration with a Community Reference Group.
The process included meetings with user groups, face-to-face community engagement, and a six week public consultation period.
A final concept plan was endorsed by the community reference group before being adopted by the council.
Thanks to combined Victorian and Australian Government funding of $5 million, a multipurpose events stage and two new netball courts have already been completed at City Oval.
Additionally, a new netball pavilion is under construction at the southern end of the precinct.
"The Growing Regions Program is delivering fantastic projects for regional communities across Australia, and we are rapt that our regional city is among the recipients," Cr Ross said.
Federal member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster said the project is long overdue and congratulated all in the process.
"I hope that the project can be implemented in a way that allows further improvements in the future, so the upgrades are fit-for-purpose for the long-term benefit of the Horsham community," Dr Webster said.