City of Ballarat and North Ballarat Football Club sign lease agreement
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The City of Ballarat will today sign a long-term lease agreement with the North Ballarat Football Club and North Ballarat Sports Club following acquisition of the Mars Stadium land in February 2017.
The lease, which is for $440,000 including GST per year, includes the North Ballarat Sports Club and the change rooms.
The lease, which is on commercial terms, resolves all outstanding concerns around the public acquisition process council undertook last year.
Cr Samantha McIntosh and North Ballarat Football Club chairman John Nevett said, in a joint statement, they have also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to deliver community infrastructure in the precinct, including netball, cricket and football facilities.
“This has been a long process with significant discussions and negotiation between both parties, which were at all times carried out in a respectful and considerate manner,” Mr Nevett said.
Cr McIntosh said it was also hoped both the State Government and the Opposition would continue to investigate opportunities to invest in the second stage of the Mars Stadium development, especially community sporting infrastructure.
“This agreement will ensure the North Ballarat Football Club has the grounds and facilities to sustain their presence in Ballarat while allowing the amazing facility that is Mars Stadium to be used long-term for elite sporting events and for community use,” Cr McIntosh said.