Alexandra Oval Community and Recreation Centre gets underway

Ararat's long awaited $3.8 million Community and Recreation Centre at Alexandra Oval is one step closer with Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty this week launching works with a ceremonial turn of the first sod.

Minister Delahunty said the construction of the centre marks the start of a new era for local sport, recreation and community activities, stating "sport and recreation play a vital role in bringing local communities together, especially in regional areas like Ararat."

The project will replace outdated change rooms with new facilities catering to local football, cricket, netball, umpire, and match-day requirements.

Minister Delahunty added "it also involves the construction of a community multi-purpose space, including a meeting room, function space, commercial kitchen, canteen, and public amenities."

The new facilities provide a great opportunity for local clubs to build on their memberships, while the wider community will be able to enjoy the new spaces for events, festivals and functions.

The Victorian Government has provided a $1.15 million funding package including $650,000 from the Community Facility Funding Program and a further $500,000 from the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.

Other contributions to the $3.8 million project came from project partners Ararat Rural City Council ($2 million), the Federal Government ($500,000), Ararat Community Enterprise ($100,000) and the Alexandra Oval Reserve Committee of Management ($70,000).