Turf roll out heralds new era for St Kilda’s Junction Oval

The final turf has been laid on St Kilda’s Junction Oval, with out of ground construction commencing as part of the Victorian Government’s redevelopment of the new first-class cricket ground.

Victorian Minister for Sport John Eren, Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley, Cricket Victoria representatives and star Peter Siddle and Kristen Beams yesterday inspected the oval that will deliver a second home for Victoria’s star cricketers.

The new turf is designed to create the very best playing field, with a smooth and quick outfield that is safe for fielders and fair for bowlers and batsmen alike.

The Victorian Cricket and Community Centre will feature new headquarters for Cricket Victoria, female-friendly facilities for our elite women’s cricket team VicSpirit, and state-of-the-art medical and rehabilitation areas.

As a second ICC-compliant first class ground for Melbourne, it will host grassroots cricket clubs in St Kilda, as well as Sheffield Shield matches for the champion Bushrangers.

Commenting on the development, Minister Eren stated “the centre will take cricket to all Victorian communities through increased participation with women, young people, newly arrived and indigenous communities a priority.”

The project is now well underway with construction of the new three-storey building at the northern end taking shape. It is expected to be completed for use during the 2017/18 season.

Minister Foley, also the local MP for Albert Park, added “this upgrade will ensure Junction Oval’s future is just as bright as its past. We’re giving St Kilda clubs space to grow and inspire more local cricket fans to pick up the willow and have a hit or bowl.”

Cricket Victoria Chief Executive Tony Dodemaide also commented “this milestone is a significant step towards establishing the home of Victorian Cricket and providing year-round access for Victoria’s elite male and female cricketers and an accessible venue for local cricket and the local community.”

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