A place for all sports

ANYONE who has tried to find training space for an indoor sports team will know there is a high demand for court space across the region.

But in excellent news for our local community, construction is now under way on the brand-new Armstrong Creek Sports Centre.

This much-anticipated facility will provide locals with more opportunities to stay active, play sports, and connect with each other, all just minutes from home.

Once complete, the centre will feature four indoor multi-sport courts. There will also be a café, changing facilities, a sensory room, and plenty of car parking, including bays with electric vehicle charging.

The centre will be complemented by an outdoor plaza featuring basketball and netball hoops, as well as areas for skating and parkour.

There’ll also be nature play spaces, table tennis tables and a large, landscaped lawn that will be great for social activities and hosting community events.

Environmental sustainability is also a feature of the new design, with the centre registered to receive a Five Star Green Star certification.

With so many young families and new residents moving into Armstrong Creek, we recognise the importance of having facilities that keep pace with our community’s growth.

Right now, there’s a serious shortage of indoor courts across Geelong, and participation in indoor sports continues to rise – even faster than the state average.

This centre isn’t just a welcome addition, it’s a desperately needed one, and it plays a vital part in how we’re planning one of Victoria’s fastest-growing communities.

The Armstrong Creek Sports Centre is funded by the Victorian Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, which is supporting 16 regional projects across the state, including a new six-court indoor sports complex in Waurn Ponds and upgraded hockey facilities at Stead Park in Corio.

The facility will also receive a $6 million funding contribution from the Australian Government.

Fairbrother Pty Ltd is leading the construction on this project, and they have already delivered some great local projects, including the Poa Banyul Community Hub in Mount Duneed.

The design of the centre has been carefully considered to make sure it’s welcoming, accessible, and inclusive, catering to people of all ages, abilities, and sporting interests.

Designs for the new sports centre have been prepared by Warren and Mahoney Architects and have involved an ongoing co-design process with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

The new Armstrong Creek Sports Centre is more than just a place to play sport. It’s a space where the community can gather, socialise, and get active, all without leaving the neighbourhood.

The facility is being delivered by Development Victoria in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria and the City of Greater Geelong.

We see it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in the health, wellbeing and connection of our residents.

If all goes to plan, the Armstrong Creek Sports Centre will be ready to open its doors in late 2026.

Until then, we’ll be watching the construction as it develops, and I look forward to the day we can all walk through the doors of our new community sports home.

Cr Ron Nelson

Barrabool Hills Ward, City of Greater Geelong