BALLARAT City Council has unveiled an $80 million vision for a new sports and entertainment precinct for the city.The plan, which would require state or federal government funding to become a reality, would involve a major overhaul of Eureka Stadium and the Ballarat Showgrounds.The vision has been shaped by what a council report describes as three key gaps for major event facilities in the city.The report, which will be considered by councillors at a meeting tomorrow night , said the city lacked a large-scale exhibition space; convention space of at least 1000-person capacity and a sporting venue that meets AFL standards.It outlines a staged redevelopment of the football stadium and showgrounds that would see:

• The construction of a 5000-seat grandstand on the southern wing of Eureka Stadium, with longer term plans for a 15,000-seat grandstand;
• A sports house modelled on the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, including a rehabilitation centre, gymnasium and health services;
• An indoor exhibition space, 5000 square metres in the short term, to be expanded to 10,000 and possibly 15,000 square metres in future years.

Two options for the staged construction of the precinct are outlined in the report. Option A would deliver the development for $79.7 million, with flow-on effects to create an estimated 385 jobs for the region.Option B, which is described in the report as the preferred option, would cost $80.3 million but would create an estimated 421 jobs.The report said significant examination of the cost and scale of a possible development would be needed before funding could be granted. The precinct vision comes just one month out from the state election.Earlier this year, Premier John Brumby committed $1 million towards the development of Eureka Stadium to allow AFL matches to be played at the ground.In July, speculation mounted that a $50 million, state government-funded overhaul of the facility could be announced this year.