Architect appointed to design new Spring Creek Reserve facilities

AN ARCHITECT has been appointed for the redevelopment of change rooms and public toilets at Torquay’s Spring Creek Recreation Reserve.

The designs will provide gender-neutral shower and toilet cubicles to better accommodate all football and cricket players.

The project also includes the redevelopment of the pavilion’s public toilets to include accessible and unisex spaces.

The Surf Coast Shire received $700,000 from the federal government for the project, as well as a $75,000 grant from the AFL’s Australian Football Facilities Fund.

Once designs are finalised and the project is tendered, works are expected to begin later this year and be completed early next year.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker welcomed the announcement.

“This is a fantastic investment in our community, ensuring that our local sports facilities are inclusive and accessible for everyone, regardless of gender,” she said.

“By providing modern and suitable facilities, we are helping to break down barriers and encourage more people, especially women and girls, to participate in sports – it will be an awesome outcome for the Torquay Tigers.

“This is a step forward for our region, and I’m proud to support this project.”

Cr Liz Pattison said it was important for clubs to have fit-for-purpose facilities that were welcoming and accessible for all, given the growing number of females and juniors playing cricket and footy.

“We want to do all we can to encourage participation and to find solutions to the obstacles to commencing and continuing with sport, which is what this upgrade is all about.

“These works are essential for the clubs, and I am so happy that designs are under way.”

Torquay Tigers women’s senior football player Kahliah Zois added: “At the moment I don’t think half of us would shower in the change rooms after the game. So we’re looking forward to a safer, equal, more comfortable environment for all.”