CITY Oval’s fire track is gone with reconstruction works at the ground well underway.
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Removal of the track, unpopular with many sporting crowds, was one of the first moves in the City of Ballarat upgrade project.
This will bring a realigned football ground closer to grandstand spectators and club rooms.
The turf wicket has also been removed and remaining grass killed off in preparation for a new high-quality surface that will bring the venue in line with surface works already complete at Alfredton Oval, Marty Busch Reserve (Sebastopol), CE Brown Reserve (Lake Wendouree) and Mars Stadium.
City of Ballarat mayor Samantha McIntosh said new turf was expected to be laid later this year.
“It is anticipated the project will be completed and ready for use by the start of the 2018 football season,” Cr McIntosh said.
City Oval is home to Redan Football Netball Club, Ballarat Football Umpires Association and Ballarat Football Netball League headquarters Saxon House.
Cricket tenant Ballarat-Redan moved its firsts back to a new turf wicket at its club base Alfredton last season.
Construction is not expected to impact hospital workers who park at the ground.
A Ballarat Health Services spokesperson said the shuttle bus for workers from the ground would continue unless otherwise advised.