Development Victoria announces construction firms to undertake Bendigo venue upgrades

Development Victoria has revealed that builders have been appointed to deliver major upgrades at the Bendigo Showgrounds and Bendigo Stadium (commercially known as Red Energy Arena).

The developments, described as "transformative", aim to enhance community access, support local clubs and boost the region’s ability to attract major events.

Fairbrother Pty Ltd will lead works at Bendigo Stadium, while AW Nicholson has been appointed with the redevelopment of the Bendigo Showgrounds. Each of the companies have local experience, with a record of working on significant projects in the region.

Fairbrother was behind the Bendigo Art Gallery and the Bendigo GovHub, while AW Nicholson contributed to the Bendigo Law Courts and the Warracknabeal Education Precinct.

The work at Red Energy Arena will see the construction of two new indoor courts, the refurbishment of courts 9 and 10, and lighting improvements across the venue’s 12 outdoor netball courts. These enhancements will ensure local athletes and visiting teams have access to modern, high-quality facilities year-round.

Home to Bendigo Spirit in the WNBL, the NBL1’s Bendigo Braves and the Bendigo Strikers in the Victorian Netball League, the indoor venue also serves as a central hub for a number of community sporting organisations including the Bendigo Basketball Association, Bendigo Volleyball Association and the Central Victorian Netball Association.

The new facilities will reinforce the Showgrounds' role as a key venue for cultural, community and agricultural events, and help create local job opportunities during the construction phase. The Bendigo Agricultural Show Society is actively involved in the planning process to ensure the upgrades meet the needs of the broader community.

Commenting on the developments, Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos advised "appointing the builder for these projects brings us one step closer to upgrades that will support more sport, entertainment and recreation activities for the Bendigo community and visitors alike."

The projects are part of the Victorian Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, which is delivering upgrades across 16 locations to improve liveability and create stronger regional communities.

The Red Energy Arena program is being delivered by Development Victoria on behalf of Sport and Recreation Victoria,

Construction on both sites is expected to begin in the coming months and be completed by late 2026.

Image: Bendigo's Red Energy Arena (top) and the concept for the venue's redevelopment (below).