Drysdale sports precinct plan released for comment

THE City of Greater Geelong Council has released a draft Drysdale Sporting Precinct Master Plan for community feedback.

The precinct, on the corner of Grubb and Belchers roads, is used by local sporting clubs and schools, and provides a major area of public open space for the community.

Developed with the help of residents and user groups, the draft master plan proposes significant improvements, including:

• A new premier soccer field with competitionstandard lighting
• A new multi-purpose field (fitting two soccer pitches or an Australian football oval), also with lighting
• Two netball courts, with capacity to expand to four in the future
• Main pavilion with social space, female friendly change facilities and grandstand
• Large community area for passive recreation
• District level playground and ‘learn to ride’ bitumen track
• A 2.5km running circuit around the perimeter; and
• Sealed car parking and improved pedestrian pathways.

The state government provided $50,000 for the master plan and has committed a further $5 million for the next stage of works.

The federal government has also pledged $3.5 million.

The next stage of construction at the site is proposed to include the soccer field, multi-use field, two netball courts, pavilion and grandstand, car parking and pedestrian links.

Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said once delivered, the master plan would give the growing Drysdale community access to modern and high quality sport and recreation facilities.

“With state and federal government funding for the next stage already secured, we look forward to progressing to detailed design and then construction.

“But before that it’s very important that the community has a chance to provide feedback on the draft master plan.

“So we encourage everyone to log on and have your say.”

The $6.726 million first stage of the facility, which opened in February 2018, was cofunded by the City of Greater Geelong and the state government.

The draft master plan is an update on the 2011 version, and takes into account changing sport and recreation trends and a reduction in available space due to construction of the Drysdale Bypass.

A proposed City of Greater Geelong depot included in the 2011 plan has been removed.

A synthetic athletics track can still fit within the site but is now recommended to be added only once there is demand.

The draft plan was made available for public comment on Monday July 15, snd will be open for eight weeks via geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay.

Feedback will then be considered before a final version comes before council for endorsement.