Gordon Street Recreation Reserve Redevelopment Plans Create a Buzz

Ararat Rural City Council held consultations with the key sporting clubs and user groups on Wednesday to reveal the full detailed architectural design drawings for the Gordon Street Recreation Reserve redevelopment.

Council Chief Executive Dr Tim Harrison said he was extremely proud to be able to present the detailed design plans to the community.

“The Gordon Street Recreation Reserve redevelopment will deliver a new premium sporting facility for Ararat with a very deliberate focus on increasing access and inclusion for women and juniors,” Dr Harrison said.

“After identifying there was a gap in the provision of playing surfaces for soccer and little athletics, we wanted to transform Gordon Street into a multiuse sporting precinct that also enhanced opportunities for AFLW and junior cricket.

“After working really hard with the local clubs and users and receiving strong support and endorsement from the state sporting associations, I’m proud that we’ve reached such an important milestone today that we’re able to reveal the full design plans for the redevelopment.”

Council published the full tender specifications for the project on Friday, going out to market for the construction of the new multipurpose pavilion and sports precinct lighting.

Clubs that attended the Gordon Street consultations on Wednesday at the Alexandra Oval Community Centre included the Ararat Storm Female Football Club, Ararat and District Little Athletics, Chalambar Cricket Club, St Andrews Cricket Club, the Grampians Cricket Association, and Ararat Pony Club and Mount Cole Equestrian Association.

“I’d encourage people from the community who are interested in the project to jump on board our Engage Ararat platform and check out the designs,” Dr Harrison continued.

“The project architects, Davidson Architecture, have done such an incredible job maximising form, function and inclusion. They have also produced some fantastic 3D artist renders that make it pretty easy to start getting excited about how this project will transform Gordon Street.

“With the project scheduled for completion in the first half of 2023, it’s not really that far away until the community can come and enjoy our new world-class recreation reserve,” Dr Harrison continued.

“Council will be selecting contractors by Christmas and soon after, there will be shovels in the ground and a boom in construction jobs and activity.”

The project has been funded by a $2.55 million grant from the Victorian Government's Community Sports Infrastructure Program, and a $400,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

The Gordon Street Recreation Reserve redevelopment is being delivered by Ararat Rural City Council with the endorsement and participation of AFL Victoria, Football Victoria, Cricket Victoria and Little Athletics Victoria.