Momentum builds behind new sports centre

The Regional Aquatic and Sports Centre at Mernda has reached a major milestone with the appointment of architects to design stage two of the state-of-the-art facility. 

Stage two includes the design and construction of eight outdoor sports courts, six indoor sports courts and indoor seating comprising 350 fixed and 1000 retractable seats. 

When complete, the multipurpose courts will deliver outstanding opportunities for residents in the north to participate in leisure and wellbeing activities close to home.  

City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the facility will be Council’s largest, single investment in social infrastructure and will be a catalyst for bolstering both physical and mental health across the entire region. 

“We cannot deliver regional infrastructure of this magnitude in isolation. We have been strongly advocating for funding support from the state and federal governments and we are grateful for the  
$20 million of funding we have received from the Victorian Government to support the delivery of the second stage of the project,” she said. 

“The delivery of the outdoor multipurpose courts and indoor stadium will not only begin to address our region’s current deficit of netball and basketball courts but also help boost sporting participation rates in our community, particularly for women and girls. 

“We know the key role exercise plays in promoting healthy lifestyles, but this centre will also provide the added benefits of facilitating social interactions and community connections.” 

Stage one of the project is already underway, which includes construction of the intersection at Everton Drive and Plenty Road in Mernda. 

Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the appointment of COX Architecture, who have a strong track record of delivering enduring and sustainable sports architecture, was a significant step forward for the project. 

Their portfolio includes some of Australia’s most prominent sports projects, such as AAMI Park, MCG Northern Stand, Optus Stadium and Allianz Stadium. 

Stage two works are expected to begin in the 2024-25 financial year. 

For more information, go to City of Whittlesea Regional Aquatic and Sports Centre webpage.