Updates, renders on showgrounds and stadium improvements

DEVELOPMENT Victoria will provide updates on planned upgrades of the Bendigo Showgrounds and the Bendigo Stadium (now known as Red Energy Arena) at public sessions tonight and next week.

The upgrades are part of the State Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, with improvements to the local bowls and croquet club also on the program.

At the stadium, improvements include a new two-court annex, refurbishment of two existing courts, new solar panels, a backup generator, utility upgrades, compliant lighting for the outdoor netball courts, and car park and accessibility improvements.

The showgrounds upgrade will include a new multipurpose pavilion, a redevelopment of the arena, and upgrades to all four entrances and perimeter fencing.

Although not part of these sessions, the bowls and croquet facilities boost will include four refurbished bowls greens and two refurbished croquet greens, upgrades to the clubhouse, and accessibility and circulation improvements.

Each project update features an online webinar and in-person drop-in sessions, where members of the project team will be available to answer design and delivery questions.

The stadium online session took place on Wednesday, with the drop-in session scheduled for 4.30pm to 6pm today at the stadium.

The online showgrounds webinar is scheduled for 6pm to 6.30pm on Tuesday 18 March and the in-person session for 11am to 12.30pm on Sunday 23 March at the showgrounds exhibition centre.

People wanting to join the remaining online session must register to receive a link by visiting development.vic.gov.au .

Written submissions on either project can be made via the Engage Victoria website until 3 April.

Development Victoria’s acting group head of civic infrastructure, Benjamin Delaney, said the sessions will be a great opportunity for residents to meet the teams behind the projects and to ask questions.

“The upgrades we are delivering at Bendigo Showgrounds and Bendigo Stadium will enhance the existing infrastructure at both venues so they can continue to provide fantastic experiences for athletes, sports enthusiasts and the broader community,” he said.

“Community members will also get their first look at the planned upgrades for Bendigo Stadium during these sessions.”

Successful bidders for the two projects are expected to be announced mid-year and construction is anticipated to start soon after.