Premier John Brumby today announced that the Victorian Government will provide a further $6million towards the redevelopment of Geelong’s Skilled Stadium. Mr Brumby said the funding would go towards redeveloping the Ross Drew Stand and help provide an even better spectator experience for Geelong fans.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Premier John Brumby today announced that the Victorian Government will provide a further $6million towards the redevelopment of Geelong’s Skilled Stadium.
Mr Brumby said the funding would go towards redeveloping the Ross Drew Stand and help provide an even better spectator experience for Geelong fans.
“The Victorian Government is delighted to support the ongoing development of first-class facilities at Skilled Stadium,” he said.
“The new Ross Drew Stand will ensure the long-term future of the Geelong Football Club and its ability to continue playing home games at the venue.”
The project will increase ground capacity by about 3,500 to over 30,000, expand the gymnasium by more than 50 per cent, and includes water harvesting and recycling systems to maintain surrounding community sports fields.
Mr Brumby said the Victorian Government had previously provided $13.5 million for the redevelopment of the Reg Hickey Stand.
“The first phase works, costing a total $26 million, included construction of the 6000 undercover seats and incorporated facilities over three levels and featured a 650 seat function room, new change rooms, umpire facilities and a medical centre,” he said.
“Redeveloping the Reg Hickey Stand has brought many benefits to clubs using the stadium and the local community by providing access to a range of modern facilities – including a new gymnasium available for use by all local residents.”
Mr Brumby said a recent study found that more than 90 per cent of Geelong’s businesses believed the football club’s home games at Skilled Stadium were important to business activity.
“We want to ensure that everyone shares in the many benefits, including social and economic, that come from having facilities in regional centres that support elite level sports events as well as grass-roots participation,” he said.
Late last year the Government also announced an additional $110,000 towards a new first class cricket training facility at Kardinia Park, including 16 full-length turf wickets and two full-length all weather synthetic pitches.
“Through a range of partnerships such as the Skilled Stadium redevelopment and the Kardinia Park cricket training facility, we are providing funding and support for many local projects across the State that aim improve community health and wellbeing, while boosting regional sport,” Mr Brumby said.
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