CRICKET Victoria is backing approved upgrades to Eastern Oval that will develop the venue to benefit a variety of sporting codes.
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Importantly, the City of Ballarat’s master plan for the ground has the potential to attract more elite forms of the game.
The state governing body for the sport knocked existing facilities late last year as not up to scratch for hosting Sheffield Shield and
similar state level matches.
This was despite hosting Victorian Premier Cricket matches and a Melbourne Renegades’ camp last summer.
While not suggesting Eastern Oval upgrades would bring top domestic cricket to Ballarat, Cricket
Victoria game and marketing general manager Rohan O’Neill said Cricket Victoria liked what it heard.
“There is great potential in outcomes,” O’Neill said.
“In terms of country cricket, it is a key strategic oval for us. It’s hosted high level cricket in the past.
“There are a lot of positives (in the plan) that we think can bring great outcomes to Ballarat’s cricket fraternity and the community.”
Former ICC chief executive officer David Richardson is leading a widespread review into Victorian country cricket and early indications are Ballarat has been identified as a key strategic location to develop in the state’s west.
O’Neill said an Eastern Oval development ticked most boxes, including Ballarat’s work to grow women and youth girls’ cricket and being a multi-use venue.
Eastern Oval is home to East Point Football Netball Club and Ballarat Football League finals; Golden Point Cricket Club and Ballarat Cricket Association firsts finals; and, Ballarat Bowling Club.
All are highlighted for development opportunity in the master plan.
The Ballarat City Council voted on Wednesday night to approve a $4.2 million redevelopment of the venue over the next 10 years, involving demolishing existing cricket training facilities and developing a multipurpose training centre.
It also proposes relocating the netball courts further north around the ground.
The redevelopment would have no impact on the playing surface of Eastern Oval and would be unlikely to affect football facilities.
Proposals for Ballarat Bowling Club are to explore development of a synthetic and undercover rinks for all-year play on the vacated croquet site.
melanie.whelan@fairfaxmedia.com.au