Ballarat looks forward to AFL games in 2017

The redevelopment of Ballarat’s Eureka Stadium has hit another milestone with the release of the detailed designs by architect Peddle Thorp for the 5,000 seat grandstand that will ensure the regional city will be hosting AFL football from 2017.

On Friday (22nd April), Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford, Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight and community representatives to formally launch the architectural designs that will now go to contractors currently tendering for the project.

The redevelopment has already passed a number of important milestones including realigning the oval’s orientation by 32 degrees to meet AFL and Western Bulldogs requirements, laying an upgraded playing surface the same size as Etihad Stadium and the provision of new lights.

Friday also saw the venue’s new 37 metre floodlight towers illuminate the first competitive evening VFL clash as North Ballarat tookk on regional rivals Geelong.

With a capacity of more than 11,000, the redeveloped stadium will ensure AFL games will be held in Ballarat with the Western Bulldogs Football Club set to play its first game at the ground next year.

Other improvements include upgraded change rooms, a new video and electronic scoreboard, better merchandise and food stalls and universal-access toilets.

The winning contractor will be announced in June with construction due to start soon after. The grandstand will be completed in time for the 2017 AFL season.

The project is expected to create 38 construction jobs, draw another 21,000 visitors to Ballarat each year and increase annual tourism spending in the city by up to $3.6 million.

The new stadium will also cater for international acts and tournaments, bringing events to the region that would otherwise have to be held only in Melbourne or Geelong.

The Victorian Government is providing $31.5 million towards the Eureka precinct redevelopment, which includes upgrading Eureka Stadium, the Wendouree Sports and Events Centre, the C.E. Brown Reserve and the Ballarat Showgrounds.

Image shows Peddle Thorp's design for Ballarat’s Eureka Stadium.

3rd March 2016 - EUREKA STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT MOVES FORWARD

19th November 2015 - DESIGNS RELEASED FOR BALLARAT’S EUREKA STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT

3rd October 2015 - CITY OF BALLARAT UNDERTAKES SURVEY TO BACK ACTIVE WOMEN AND GIRLS STRATEGY  

29th July 2015 - WESTERN BULLDOGS PRESIDENT CALLS FOR NEW MID-CAPACITY AFL STADIUM IN MELBOURNE

18th June 2015 - VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT BACKS STADIUM UPGRADES IN BALLARAT AND BENDIGO

7th May 2015 - CITY OF BALLARAT OPENS NEW 50 METRE POOL AND MAJOR OVAL REDEVELOPMENT  

27th March 2014 - LEGAL FIGHT CONTINUES OVER DESIGN FEES FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIAN STATE AQUATIC CENTRE  

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