General News
5 August, 2024
Netball pavilion contract signed
Horsham's new community netball pavilion finally has its end goal in sight as a tender for construction has been signed off.
Locks Constructions will build the pavilion at Horsham City Oval, bringing the much-anticipated project a step closer to reality.
Horsham Rural City Council’s tender process was not without its challenges, with rising industry costs necessitating three separate calls for tenders before Locks was chosen.
Chief executive officer Sunil Bhalla said despite the hurdles HRCC was pleased the pavilion would stay true to its original concept.
“The new pavilion promises to be a modern addition to City Oval, featuring a curved facade that aligns with the two newly constructed netball courts," Mr Bhalla said.
"While the design is contemporary, it complements the existing structures at the oval, ensuring it will fit nicely into its surrounds."
Mr Bhalla said soaring construction industry costs meant council had had to advertise the tender multiple times.
“The building’s design was revisited and reworked to reduce cost while maintaining functionality," he said.
"Most amendments related to structural steel elements, with some minor floor plan simplification. Our persistence has paid off.
"We're pleased to have reached this milestone on behalf of the Horsham community and key user groups, including the Horsham Demons Football and Netball Club and the Horsham City Netball Association."
The project is scheduled for completion midway through the 2025 Wimmera Football and Netball League season.
The multi-use pavilion and landscaping will include two main change rooms with amenities, an accessible change room, three umpire change areas, a first aid/medical room, a social space with kiosk and a pantry, an office for netball administration, equipment and storage space, three spectator amenities and mounded viewing areas.
The project, including the existing courts and lighting, is funded via the Victorian Government and the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund.
The City Oval/Sawyer Park area currently under redevelopment is one of seven precincts included in the City to River Masterplan and is the second to progress after work on the riverfront precinct in 2021.
Other City Oval projects include the externally funded multipurpose events stage and twin netball courts.
Council is still seeking state and federal grants to replace the current two-storey general community pavilion.