Works roll out at bowls and croquet clubs

WORK on an $8.4 million upgrade of the Bendigo Bowls Club and Bendigo Croquet Club is underway.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards and City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Thomas Prince joined representatives from both clubs to turn the first sod on the major project last Friday.

The redevelopment includes a refurbishment of four bowling greens – two upgraded with modern synthetic surfaces – two compliant croquet lawns, accessibility improvements across the site, including enhanced car parking, and upgrades to the venue’s iconic bowls clubhouse.

Inside works include upgraded air-conditioning, a new kitchen, roof, gutter and drainage repairs and floor level rectification works.

Once completed, the clubhouse will feature a multi-purpose inclusive space, offering more room for community activities.

The venue – located in Barnard Street – has been home to the Bendigo Bowls Club for more than 150 years and the Bendigo Croquet Club for more than 100.

It was to be the home of lawn bowls for the scrapped 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Ms Edwards was proud to launch the construction phase of the project.

“This upgrade will give our bowls and croquet communities the high-quality facilities they deserve and support more local events right here in Bendigo,” she said.

Bendigo-based Searle Bros is the head contractor for the project.

The company boasts more than 90 years in the construction industry, having previously delivered major projects across the city, including the Bendigo Tramways expansion and the Larni Garingilang at the Bendigo Botanic Gardens.

Cr Prince said the project would provide a redeveloped, multipurpose, inclusive space that would serve older people, women and people who are gender diverse, and the wider community for sporting and community activities.

“It will also support lasting economic, social, environmental and sporting wellbeing benefits for our local residents,” he said.

The bowls and croquet club project is one of 16 projects being delivered through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, including three in the Bendigo region.

The other Bendigo projects include major upgrades at Bendigo Stadium and the Bendigo Showgrounds, which were also in line to host Commonwealth Games events.

The redevelopment is expected to be completed by late 2026.