Stage 2 of B.SEC a slam dunk

FUNDING has been confirmed for the next stage of the Ballarat Sports and Entertainment Centre.

Coming in at $5.2 million, the second step in development at the Norman Street site includes strength and conditioning centre, outdoor three-on-three basketball courts and a new façade for the old building.

Basketball Ballarat CEO Peter Eddy said the money and subsequent capital works would help grow all levels of sport in the region.

“We are indebted to the Andrews Labor Government for recognising the value of the stage two project for the Ballarat Sports Events Centre and for allowing the full vision for B.SEC to be completed,” he said.

“This stage two grant allows B.SEC to continue to grow to meet the ever-growing needs of grassroots participants and developing athletes from Ballarat and throughout Western Victoria”.

“This continues the excellent support the Ballarat Sports Events Centre has had from the Victorian Government, support that has been in place across our two venues from as far back as 2004.”

Stage one of the B.SEC project was completed and opened in 2019.

That component of the development ran to $9 million and added the 3000 seat show court, six new multipurpose indoor courts and the new main building.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the stage two facilities would be used by the wider community.

“Students at Federation University, local athletes and grassroots sporting clubs will all benefit from these world class facilities, and the façade upgrade is the final piece in the project,” she said.

“This is what the thousands of local basketballers who play each week deserve.”

The allocation of money for stage two means guidelines for the final designs can be completed and work is expected to get underway in early next year with the facility completed about 12 months later.

The project has been a partnership between the State government, the City of Ballarat and Basketball Ballarat and statement from Ms Addison and the Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle, acknowledge the key role of the other two parties in the development.