Construction begins at events precinct

CONSTRUCTION of the Ballarat Major Events Precinct, which includes upgrades to Mars Stadium and the new Ballarat Regional Athletics Centre, has begun.

Mars Stadium’s capacity will increase to 10,000 with 5000 extra seats to be added, as well as more food and beverage facilities.

An athletics track and pavilion will be built on the former Ballarat Showgrounds site and accessibility improvements will be made throughout the precinct.

The head contractor is Kane Nicholson JV, the builder of GovHub and the Bendigo Law Courts development.

The project is funded by the State Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, which aims to increase sporting participation in regional communities.

“The track and these great facilities form part of what really will be an outstanding sporting precinct encouraging community participation, supporting clubs, and putting local talent on a path to becoming world champions and future Olympians,” Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said.

“We’re expecting great things when the Ballarat Major Events Precinct is complete and open to the public.”

The project is expected to be completed in late 2026.

Standing room will be unavailable at Mars Stadium throughout the construction period.

The Western Bulldogs AFL and AFLW teams will continue to play at the stadium during construction.

“We are going to not be able to have the standing room, the wonderful hill to watch the Western Bulldogs,” Ms Addison said.

“I think it’s a small price to pay because we want to get on with delivering this project by the end of 2026 so come 2027, we will have double the amount of seats.

“I thank Doggys fans and local Ballarat people for their patience during this construction.”