The project will include a new synthetic oval and outdoor courts, spectator pavilion, car parking and public transport facilities as well as upgraded research, teaching and staff facilities.

Plans for stage two of the sporting precinct redevelopment were revealed as Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan visited the university's Mount Helen campus to officially open the first stage of the project, a $16.5 million building containing a new strength and conditioning room and equipment, the latest sports science technology, an upgrades swimming pool, rehab clinic, interactive teaching and learning spaces and a community gym.

Professor Dara Twomey, Dean of Fed Uni's School of Health and Life Sciences, said a feasibility study conducted in 2018 found there was a definite need for an upgrade and expansion of the sporting facilities earmarked for the stage two development.

"Stage two is really about the outdoor facilities. We have the ovals here that are natural grass and at the moment they are in pretty poor condition and really need redevelopment, as do our outdoor court areas," Professor Twomey said.

"We looked at whether there would be a need for an artificial turf oval in Ballarat and whether Fed Uni would be a good site to put something like that.

"The answer was yes. With Ballarat's rapidly growing population the demand on current infrastructure is quite high and growing, particularly in junior and female sport, and an artificial field could help satisfy some of that demand."

In addition to the ovals and outdoor courts, the existing two buildings on the site could also be overhauled to integrate with the new facilities.

Professor Twomey said in addition to university use, local schools and sporting clubs were also heavy users of the sports science facilities.

The university funded the first stage of the Health and Sports Precinct but Professor Twomey said they would look for support from stakeholders, different levels of government and industry for the second stage.

Planning for stage two of the precinct will commence this year and involved a phased approach over five years.

YOU MIGHT LIKE: This Ballarat veterinarian has a passion for theatre, electronics and creativity - and 50 years of caring for greyhounds

"From grass roots to elite level sport - community and sporting groups right across Western Victoria will have access to world-class sporting facilities at our Mt Helen campus and the opportunity to partner with Federation University on cutting edge health and sports research," said Federation University vice chancellor Professor Helen Bartlett.

"Federation University has undergone significant transformation over the past three years and is in a strong financial position - we're excited to be investing in major projects like our Health and Sports Precinct and to strengthen our partnerships with government, industry, sporting and community groups."

Have you signed up to The Courier's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.