First sod turned on $14.5m Drysdale sports boost

WORKS on stage two of the Drysdale Sports Precinct will start soon, with the ceremonial first sod turned on the project earlier this month.

The $14.5 million project at Belchers Road will create a new multi-use pavilion, a soccer pitch with LED lighting and players’ shelters, plus extensive earthworks and landscaping.

The pavilion will feature change rooms for players and referees, a first aid room, office, canteen, kitchen, social space and storage.

The project also provides car parking, upgraded road access, improved water storage facilities, landscaping and accessible pathways.

Brand Architects will lead the design of stage two, with the construction tender awarded to Plan Group.

Stage one was completed in 2018, constructing an oval, multipurpose field, cricket practice pitches, a relocatable pavilion and lighting.

The precinct is home to the Drysdale Soccer Club and also used by the Drysdale Hawks Football Club and Drysdale Cricket Club.

Paul Rawson from Drysdale Soccer Club said the new precinct would drive the club forward.

“When I first joined the club in 2009, we had around 35 members. We had no clubrooms, no pitch, and used to roll out some moveable goals on the Shell Road oval to play our games.

“Today, we have 350 playing members – of which 30 per cent are female – a total of 29 teams, close to 300 junior boys and girls, and just over 60 senior players.

“The new facilities will bring fantastic opportunities to continue the growth of our game and the club.”

The City of Greater Geelong contributed $6 million to the project with co-funding of $5 million from Sport & Recreation Victoria, as well as $3.5 million from the federal government for design, planning and earthworks.

Federal Corangamite MP Coker said the project would deliver lasting benefits for the Drysdale community.

“This precinct will be a legacy for the many community members and advocates who have worked hard to bring it to fruition. It’s so exciting to celebrate such a significant milestone for the project with works now under way,” she said.

“With a soccer pitch, new pavilion and so much more, the Drysdale Sporting Precinct will be a real game changer for our communities on the Bellarine.”

State Bellarine MP Alison Marchant welcomed the start of stage 2.

“This investment will support our growing community with high-quality facilities that encourage participation, strengthen local clubs and promote healthy, active lifestyles across the Bellarine,” she said.