DETAILED plans for Ballarat Sports and Events Centre's next stage development show exactly how this stadium will transform into a true community hub.
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The state government finalised its $5.2 million funding for the project on Monday morning, delivering $2.08 million in the first part of this funding. This will allow City of Ballarat to move forward towards construction and begin the tender process.
A new strength and conditioning gym will feature a 30-metre synthetic track along the Norman Street side of the complex while multi-purpose learning centres, with courtyards and a community lounge, will fit between the new and original stadium builds.
These learning spaces will predominantly cater to University of the Third Age classes in the day and meeting, education or function spaces in the evenings.
Purpose-built three-on-three outdoor basketball courts will fit into the complex's old car park. Plans show three permanent courts for the modified version of the game, set to feature in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (next year) and 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Funding secured for a fourth half-court will instead secure a portable court, sanctioned by the sport's international governing body, allowing for exhibition games like at Lake Wendouree, outside Ballarat Town Hall or in neighbouring regional centre Ararat. It is the same as NBL club Melbourne United sets up outside its home games.
These updates come as the state government also officially announced the tender for $6.6 million Mars Stadium upgrades in the same sporting precinct. Works at the outdoor stadium are predominantly to improve accessibility and amenities, like ticket boxes and permanent food outlets.
Both funding boosts were pledged ahead of the November 2018 state election and listed in the state budget for this financial year.
BSEC opened last July with a $24 million project - based on federal, state and council funding - delivering six new indoor courts, including a 3000-seat multi-sport showcourt.
Basketball Ballarat chief Peter Eddy said a lot of work had been going on behind the scenes in designing the next phase.
"This will take BSEC from a sports facility to a real community hub," Mr Eddy said. "I think the community is ready for positive news and can be looking forward to the future between BSEC and Mars Stadium.
"Right now, we're positioned to have outdoor courts open 24/7, so it's not only for the traditional basketball crowd but a whole new crowd to take community participation to another level."
The strength and conditioning gym is both for elite teams and community groups to be run in partnership with Federation University. Gym construction will take place along soon-to-be demolished offices and toilets in the original build.
Funding will also cover a new skin for the original building in line with the new development in what Mr Eddy said would look entirely like the iconic new stadium.
Wendouree MP Juliana Addison said commitment to build on two great stadium facilities would reinforce Ballarat as one of Victoria's elite regional centres.
"This is what the thousands of local basketballers who play each week deserve," Ms Addison said. "Students at Federation University, local athletes and grassroots sporting clubs will all benefit from these world-class facilities, and the facade upgrade is the final piece in the project."
City of Ballarat mayor Ben Taylor looked forward to what these project would bring to the city.
"Ballarat people love their sport and I am sure these new facilities will be packed when the two new sites are open to the public," Cr Taylor said.
BSEC's second stage works are expected to begin late this year to early next year with completion in early 2022.
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