Pavillion plan gets on base

THE COUNTDOWN is on for delivery of a new pavilion for Lara’s baseball, football and cricket clubs after Geelong council awarded a construction contract for the project.

MKM Constructions, based in Ballarat, was the successful tenderer for the $2.29 million project, with City of Greater Geelong councillors signing off on the deal at their meeting on Tuesday this week.

The updated pavilion is a major project identified under the Lara Recreation Reserve Masterplan that the city finalised in 2019.

The multi-use pavilion will service the reserve’s northern fields and includes gender-neutral change facilities and modern amenities.

“The existing baseball facilities are in poor condition and at the north area of the precinct there is currently no facilities to support football/cricket operations utilising oval 3,” a council report stated.

“The new pavilion will provide the Lara Recreation Reserve sporting tenants with a modern, accessible, multi-sport and gender-neutral facility to support their growing baseball, football and cricket operations and provide significant community, health and social benefits while improving activation within the precinct.”

Windermere Ward councillors welcomed the progress and said it would be warmly received by user groups, especially the local baseball club that has made do with sub-standard facilities for several years.

“Those who know the baseball pitch in Lara will know this facility is like Christmas all over again again. Running water is a good thing, and change rooms and toilets are high on the agenda,” Cr Kylie Gryzbek said.

“Baseball has been a poor cousin at this site for far too long, Aussie Rules and cricket have dominated,” Cr Anthony Aitken added.

“The baseball exists in a building that can only be described as like a shed in someone’s backyard. The baseball community out there is so excited.

The state government’s Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions provided $1 million for the build, with the remaining cash coming from the city.

Lara First Scouts and St John’s Ambulance facilities would also be part of the new pavilion once finished.

A separate $2.75 million project for new tennis and netball facilities at the south of the reserve is nearing completion.