By Jessica Micallef
Work on the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct is underway following the allocation of a design tender for the project.
Design firm City Collective is now working with Macedon Ranges council to develop concept plans for the long-awaited sports hub in New Gisborne.
The council’s chief executive Margot Stork said the tender process had been highly competitive, with a large number of responses and considerable interest from “experienced” firms.
“The team awarded the tender showed an exceptional commitment to creatively working through the complexities of the project and delivering a precinct design that supports a broad range of community uses and raises the bar for sporting facilities in the Macedon Ranges,” she said.
The firm has experience on similar projects including the Craigieburn Sport Stadium, redevelopment of St Kilda Football Club’s RSEA park and the Netball SA Community Precinct.
Ms Stork said the community would be able to contribute to the design process.
“Primary facility users will be involved in the design process and the broader community will be kept up-to-date as the project progresses, with opportunities to provide input at key points along the way,” she said.
The design process will progress across four stages over the next year and will be based on the information gathered through two feasibility studies – the New Gisborne Regional Sports Fields and Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub.
The project has been designed to ensure it can be delivered in stages aligned with the amount of funding available.
More than $21 million has already been committed to the project by the council, the state government and AFL Victoria. The funds will allow for the completion of the site’s design and the first stage of construction.
It is estimated the complete project will cost about $41.4 million.
The council is committed to advocating for funding as the project progresses.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas welcomed the next step in turning the sports precinct into a reality, and urged the federal government to contribute to funding the project.
“It is great to know we are moving closer to making the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct a reality, giving our local clubs a bigger, better home,” she said.
“Again, I call on the Morrison government to contribute their fair share to this project.
“It is not fair that Macedon Ranges residents have to leave the shire to play sport.”
The Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct will be built across two interconnected sites in New Gisborne at the corner of Barringo and Hamilton roads, providing sport, health, fitness facilities and community activities and events.
For updates on the project, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/sports-precinct
