Barwon Heads Bowling Club upgrade begins

WORK has started on a $1.2 million upgrade of the Barwon Heads Bowling Club.

The project on the facility, to be located next to the club’s existing green, will include compliant and accessible social, spectator and storage facilities.

Construction on the new social area, an undercover verandah for spectators and storage spaces – including a kitchen, bar, amenities and office – began in December.

As well as clearing the space in readiness for the new building, the project includes landscaping, fencing, additional carparking and the demolition of the old pavilion.

The project was jointly funded by $500,000 from the City of Greater Geelong, which matched a $500,000 commitment from the federal government, and a further $200,000 from the Victorian government.

Barwon Heads Bowling Club representatives gathered at the club to celebrate the start of works alongside Corangamite federal member Libby Coker, Bellarine MP Alison Marchant and her immediate predecessor Lisa Neville, and City of Greater Geelong Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the development would be significant for the club as it sought to attract new members for both recreational and competitive bowling.

“The club has already been actively reaching out to recruit new members, not only from Barwon Heads, but also from surrounding communities such as rapidly-developing Armstrong Creek.

“Now a pavilion like this really gives the club the opportunity to offer a welcoming and very appealing space for anyone looking to connect with a lawn bowls club.”

Cr Mason said the ease of access into the new pavilion would make the Barwon Heads Bowling Club a venue of choice.

“Any new development within Greater Geelong needs to be compliant in terms of accessibility for every member of the community and the design features of this pavilion certainly tick that box,” Cr Mason said.

“Barwon Heads Bowling Club prides itself on being a community gathering place and the new facility will go a long way to catering for everyone from the complete newcomer to the most experienced player in the region.”

Ms Coker said the benefits of the new facility would be widespread.

“This club is an integral part of the village community, and its facilities are shared by other local organisations, so many people are set to benefit as a result of this upgrade.”

Ms Marchant also welcomed the beginning of works.

“This exciting milestone marks the start of the new pavilion which the Barwon Heads Bowling Club and community can be proud of,” she said.

“The new pavilion will ensure an accessible clubroom and continue to support the members in being active and connected to their community.”

During the planning process, the city originally intended steel panels to go on the outside of the building but modified the design to include more natural timber elements following public feedback.