Revamped reserve boosts sporting opportunities
Published on 22 August 2025
A multimillion-dollar upgrade of sporting facilities at Huskisson Reserve in Lalor, including construction of the area’s first pickleball courts, is set to be a win for people of all ages and abilities.
The City of Whittlesea awarded the contract for construction of a pavilion, tennis courts, car park, pedestrian pathways and landscaping at the Council Meeting on 19 August 2025.
A new multipurpose pavilion will serve both the tennis club and the cricket and football oval and will feature change facilities and toilets, kitchen, meeting space, public toilets and storage.
The redevelopment will deliver six new tennis courts with LED lighting, plus two tennis Hot Shots courts that can double as pickleball courts. A large rainwater tank will harvest roof runoff and be used for toilet flushing and irrigation.
A new car park, pedestrian walkways and landscaping will improve safety, accessibility and the overall look of the precinct, which is close to a busy shopping centre and kindergarten.
Huskisson Reserve is home to the West Lalor Tennis Club, which has about 500 active members and runs programs for juniors, men, women, people with disabilities, First Peoples and more than 700 children through a school partnership.
Already one of the largest tennis clubs in the City of Whittlesea, the redevelopment will help the West Lalor Tennis Club attract new members and increase opportunities for community members to play through Tennis Australia’s book-a-court system.
It is expected construction on the reserve redevelopment will commence in late 2025 and be completed by early 2027.
Arrangements are underway to temporarily relocate the West Lalor Tennis Club while the new facility is constructed.
The West Lalor Tennis Club has made a $50,000 contribution towards the project.
Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Martin Taylor:
“The redevelopment of Huskisson Reserve demonstrates Council’s commitment to building connected communities, where residents have access to safe, modern, and inclusive facilities that encourage healthy and active lifestyles,” Mayor Taylor said.
“The West Lalor Tennis Club has been a leader in delivering inclusive programs that support First Peoples and people with disabilities. This project will strengthen their ability to expand that important work and ensure more members of our community can benefit.”