Upgrade to revive well-worn oval

MAJOR reconstruction works will begin at Spring Creek Oval this month, addressing longstanding issues with drainage and wear at one of Torquay’s busiest sporting hubs.

Expected to be ready for use in March next year, the project will deliver a complete rebuild of the site’s playing surface, which has deteriorated under heavy year-round use and fails to meet current turf standards.

Poor drainage as also long been an issue at the site, with water from nearby Spring Creek flowing onto the oval during high tide. The slow discharge of water back to the creek has damaged the oval’s surface over time.

The rebuild will include improved irrigation and drainage systems that feature a new design the shire says will address the repeated flooding of the ground. The works will force the Torquay Cricket Club to temporarily relocate its matches through the 2025-26 season, with the oval to remain closed to the public during construction.

But the 2026 football season is likely to be unaffected by the rebuild. Turf installation is scheduled for completion by December to allow three months for the surface to establish before the season kicks off.

Other works, including line marking and bench seating, are expected to be completed in January.

Surf Coast Shire councillor Joel Grist celebrated the project’s progress.

“It’s great to see this project get underway. The oval gets so much use, not just from the cricket and football clubs, but also from the community who use it informally throughout the week,” he said.

“Once this reconstruction is complete, the oval will provide a high-quality, all-weather surface that benefits the whole community for years to come.”

He thanked the Torquay Cricket Club for relocating its matches to make way for the project.

“Their support has been vital in helping this project progress,” Cr Grist said.

The Surf Coast Shire awarded the tender for the project to Victorian Sports Group last week, following a competitive public process that drew nine submissions.

The works, delivered as part of the shire’s asset renewal program, will be completed alongside the refurbishment of the reserve’s changerooms and bathroom facilities.

Surf Coast mayor Mike Bodsworth said the timing of both projects had been coordinated to reduce the impacts to the community.