Designer appointed for Stead Park upgrade

A CONTRACTOR has been appointed to design the Victorian Government’s upgrade of Stead Park.

Announced this week, CO.OP Studio will take the reins as the main designer for the project.

Part of the Geelong and Surf Coast Sports Package, the upgrade will include an updated pitch, a new pavilion and an increased seating capacity.

Stead Park is home to the Geelong Hockey Association, with the upgrades expected to strengthen its reputation and give players, fans and families access to the sport.

“The State Government’s investment will ensure that hockey players in Geelong’s north have the very best facilities for years to come,” Lara MP Ella George said.

The designer will work with local sub-consultants for engineering work and to source local products and materials, creating jobs and boosting local businesses.

“Upgrades to Stead Park will give the community world-class sports facilities, allowing them to attract competitions that will bring people to the area, with those benefits flowing into local businesses,” Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said.

Upgrades to the facility were announced earlier this year as part of the Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.

Fifteen other projects across Victoria, including five in Geelong and the Surf Coast, make up the program, which is part of the Government’s $45 billion investment since 2014.

Torquay’s Banyul-Warri Fields will also get an upgrade under the project.

It will receive a new hockey pitch with lighting, as well as a scoreboard, spectator seating and a new car park.

The projects aim to help increase participation in sport across the community and bring more elite sport to regional Victoria.

For more information on the projects, head to sport.vic.gov.au