Reid Oval pavilion project architects release virtual designs

The design and function of Warrnambool Council’s new Reid Oval pavilion is beginning to take shape, with the project architects releasing their preliminary designs, including an interactive 3D “flythrough”.

The latest suite of designs includes:

• Architectural drawings (proposed site plan, floor plans, elevations and sections)
• Architectural perspectives and materiality schedule
• Landscape drawings

Reid Oval Project Control Group Chair Councillor Sue Cassidy said that this was another important step forward for the project advising “plans and schematics are one thing, but to be able to take a virtual tour and see the buildings in 3D is something else.

“These new documents offer the best view yet of what a new-and-improved Reid Oval might look like.

“These are of course working files and not every aspect has been modelled in detail.

“I’d like to thank all of the stakeholders who have provided their feedback and expertise to get the project to this stage. They will now provide feedback on the finer details including fit out and materials as we move to finalise the designs to be prepared for tender.

“Council is continuing to progress significant projects as best we can in these difficult times and a state-of-the-art sporting facility will be even more important to help our clubs recover after this crisis.”

Back in December 2019, Warrnambool Council selected a preferred concept design for the $11 million Reid Oval Redevelopment.

The concept was created in close consultation with Reid Oval user groups and stakeholders, who will continue to be involved in the detailed design process to follow.

The design team considered three options, with the preferred concept for a single-storey building that includes modern player and spectator amenities, social rooms, office administration space for regional sporting bodies and an undercover area for spectators.

The pavilion design includes two main change rooms which can be partitioned to create four separate change rooms, creating appropriate facilities for male, female, junior and senior games to be hosted on the same day.

For the first time, there will be separate male and female umpire change rooms. These rooms will be located separately to the player facilities to maintain an appropriate feeling of security for umpires on game day.

The building will create equitable access for tenant clubs, with the Nestles Cricket Club, East Warrnambool Football Netball Club and the Warrnambool and District Umpires Association to have social rooms, storage facilities and access to meeting spaces and a gym.

The new facility will meet AFL and Cricket Regional Standards.

In December 2019, Council also called for tenders for the supply of turf for the Reid Oval playing surface.

Turf specialists SportENG have recommended that Santa Ana couch is the most appropriate species of grass, which has been discussed with Reid Oval stakeholders.

Councillor Cassidy noted “while it is easy to get excited about the built facilities the ground surface remains just as important.

“We are opting for Santa Ana couch grass which will provide year-round coverage and we can over-sow this with rye grass in winter.

“In the goal squares we will have some synthetic grass sown in with natural grass to provide greater durability.

“This grass coverage will allow the ground to be used up to 30 hours a week.

“Another important part of the project will be the lighting upgrade to allow football matches to be played at night.”

The turf is scheduled to be installed in the summer of 2020/2021.

The Reid Oval Redevelopment is supported by the Victorian Government.

To view the designs and take the virtual tour, visit www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/reidoval