Stead Park upgrade renders revealed

An artist's impression of the coming upgrades at Corio's Stead Park. Images: SUPPLIED

NEW renders of the coming upgrades to the hockey facilities at Stead Park have been released, as the hunt for a head contractor to lead the development continues.

The project will feature a new pavilion, to be centrally located between the Corio venue’s two hockey pitches, a redeveloped western pitch and additional seating and parking.

Once constructed, the two-storey pavilion will provide the hockey facility with a variety of upgraded amenities including social and meeting spaces, a kitchen, canteen and change rooms.

A brand-new pavilion will be built at the site, replacing the existing pavilion, and will be positioned between the hockey facility’s two pitches for easy access.

An artist’s impression of the entry gate.

Lara MP Ella George celebrated last week’s release of the artist impressions for the project, which she said would benefit both local hockey players and fans, and strengthen “Stead Park’s reputation as being worthy of national competitions”.

“I am so excited to see this project take shape and come to life.

“The new pavilion, upgraded pitch and additional seating at Stead Park will deliver world-class facilities that the whole community can be proud of.”

The upper floor of the new pavilion will feature a terrace with seating overlooking both pitches.

The pavilion’s ground floor will include four change rooms, rooms for match officials, a canteen, storage and a first aid area.

A head contractor is expected to be announced mid-year, with works to begin in the third quarter of 2025 and be completed by the third quarter of 2026.

The redevelopment is one of five projects to be delivered in the Geelong and Surf Coast regions as part of the Regional Sports Infrastructure Package being rolled out by the Victorian government in the wake of the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

For more information, head to development.vic.gov.au/projects/stead-park