Surf Coast Shire Council has identified future projects for the sporting and recreation precinct in north Torquay, headlined by a synthetic hockey pitch, cricket training facility and community hub.
Council adopted the Community and Civic Precinct Future Land Use Plan at its July meeting
following engagement with local sporting clubs, regional and state sporting associations, Surf Coast Secondary College, and community members.
The plan provides clarity on future recreation and social infrastructure needs in the precinct, which features Wurdi Baierr Stadium and the recently-extended Grant Pavilion.
The precinct will also be home to the Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre.
Councillor Adrian Schonfelder said the plan provides clarity on how land in the precinct can be used in the next 10 years.
“Each project will be prioritised in line with Council’s Social Infrastructure Plan which is currently being drafted,” Cr Schonfelder said.
“Given Council’s financial position, the timing of projects will rely on the availability of substantial funding from state and federal governments as well as user groups.”
Outside of the aquatic and health centre, projects identified include a fully-enclosed cricket training facility, and another stage of a Grant Pavilion extension with additional change rooms and a social space overlooking both ovals.
Rounding out the list are a multi-use synthetic hockey facility and community hub to be located in the vacant land adjacent to Yallock Circuit, along with additional courts at Wurdi Baierr Stadium, netball amenities and car parking.
”So much has been achieved over the past 13 years and yet we know there is going to be
continued growth – both in our population and subsequently the locals who use the community and civic precinct, so it’s vital we plan for it,” Cr Schonfelder said.
“This precinct ticks the box, and it’s so pleasing to see it buzzing and delivering health and
wellbeing benefits – from basketballers high-fiving each other and parents watching their kids shoot a goal, to group fitness classes, skateboarding tricks and youngsters laughing on the playground.”
Cr Schonfelder thanked people who provided feedback. There were 48 submissions which helped shape the Community and Civic Precinct Future Land Use Plan.
The original masterplan for the Community and Civic Precinct was created in 2009, and last
reviewed by Council in 2014.
