Melbourne’s redeveloped Brens Pavilion anticipated to attract more local women to community sport

The completion of the City of Melbourne’s $6.9 million redevelopment of Brens Pavilion provides clubs and community groups with an inclusive venue for local sport - anticipated to attract more local women to community sport.

The new Brens Pavilion has already been a base for outstanding sporting success with the women’s rugby and football teams securing places in the finals fixture - the women's team from Melbourne University Rugby Football Club making the grand final and the UHS - VU women's team taking home their first premiership. 

The rebuild delivers on Council’s work to increase the number of accessible, inclusive spaces for women in sporting facilities across the city to boost participation.   

The major upgrade features: 

• Eight gender-neutral and accessible changerooms, including toilets and showers

• Two dedicated umpire changerooms

• A first aid room

• Significant improvements to the kitchen and social spaces   

• The additional changeroom facilities, cubicles around showers and the omission of urinals are a welcome change – creating more capacity for the expansion of women’s sport.  

The Brens Pavilion redevelopment was backed by the State Government with $2.5 million from the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.   

Works to redevelop the pavilion began in early 2022, with local sporting clubs using temporary facilities to remain at the ground while works were underway.  

Brens Pavilion is among three pavilions in Royal Park to be upgraded by the City of Melbourne – with a redeveloped Western Pavilion opened in 2022, and Ryder Pavilion works to kick off in 2024.  

Melbourne Lord Mayor, Sally Capp noted “our grassroots sporting clubs have seen women excel in sports, find new communities and improve their health and wellbeing. We’re delivering the space they need to be match ready with another new pavilion on the ground.      

“We’ve upgraded Brens Pavilion to give our local clubs the facilities they deserve, while catering for the immense demand in community sport – especially from women and girls.   

University High School - Victoria University Amateur Football Club’s Tony Boyce shared “the redeveloped pavilion has immediately increased social activity at our club with more than 60 women and men staying for meals and team selections after games and training.

“Having a space for our women’s team to get changed and shower makes it more appealing for them to spend more time at the venue before and after games which is amazing for our club culture and connection.

“We now have a facility that we’re proud to call home and to host visitors. The future is exciting in knowing the City of Melbourne really supports women's and men's sports.

“We’re looking enthusiastically towards season 2024 and beyond because we can offer first rate facilities tailored to all genders which is something we never have had, and we hope to add a second women's football team in 2024.”  

Melbourne University Rugby Football Club Director and General Manager Lotu Aiuta added “our aim is not only to develop exceptional players but to help everyone leave as a better version of themselves and these facilities have already transformed our club both on and off the field - providing an environment that cultivates personal development and builds successful teams.

"For the first time, our women's team has access to dedicated spaces for post-game showers, private areas, and a true sense of belonging within Victoria's oldest rugby club. This upgrade represents a significant milestone, fostering a welcoming environment for all members.   

“Our ability to host video sessions, educational seminars, and large-scale social events has been instrumental in building a cohesive and vibrant club culture. These elements are pivotal in fulfilling our overarching goal of not only producing skilled athletes but also developing outstanding individuals.   

"We know that offering facilities that cater to women significantly contributes to retaining and expanding our female team. We are now set to field two women's teams and address the demand for numerous 7s teams that we struggled to accommodate in the past.”

A community opening event will be held later this year to celebrate the project, with details to be shared closer to the date.   

For more information on Royal Park pavilion projects, visit City of Melbourne.   

Images: City of Melbourne has redeveloped Brens Pavilion in Parkville to give clubs and community groups an inclusive space to enjoy local sport, with a focus on providing equal space for women and girls. It's already been a base for outstanding sporting success, with the women's team from Melbourne University Rugby Football Club making the grand final and the UHS - VU women's team taking home their first premiership last weekend