CONCEPT designs for the Eureka Stadium redevelopment have been revealed as construction on the $15 million project moves quickly to meet a 2017 deadline.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It comes as Western Bulldogs chief executive Peter Gordon revealed negotiations with the AFL were now complete and games would be scheduled for Ballarat during the 2017 season assuming construction was finished.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford revealed the designs on Wednesday and also announced Melbourne architectural firm Peddle Thorp Architects had been appointed to deliver the project.
The construction of the 5000 seat grandstand will now enter a community consultation phase with a community information session to be conducted in early December to view to designs.
Construction would then start in 2016.
Ms Pulford said a number of changes had been made to the oval to meet the demand of the AFL and the Western Bulldogs.
The plan to have games played at the facility by 2017 was labelled “ambitious” when first announced, however, with work on the oval already underway, it is one election commitment that looks to be on track for a quick finish.
“”By this time next year we will have our dates for games in Ballarat,” she said.
“It can be frustrating for everybody when something is promised and it takes a little while before you are seeing earth being moved or construction happening. But this was well advanced, this is something the local community have a had a long time interest in.”
Mr Gordon said the Bulldogs planned to be the team in Western Victoria for the next hundred years.
“This is no fly-in fly-out operation for us,” he said.
“It is a win-win situation, everyone is a winner. It is great to bring AFL football to the people of Ballarat, it is great to grow our club into this region, it is great for tourism, it is providing jobs, there are so many good elements to this.”
He also reiterated his commitment to open an office in Ballarat before the end of the year.
City of Ballarat Mayor Des Hudson said the project was a certainty to be completed by 2017.
“It opens an opportunity for those people who are coming for the AFL football to stay over and enjoy a regional experience rather than just going to and from the game,” he said. “We would encourage them to come and support their teams but also spend a couple of days and embrace everything Ballarat has to offer.”
