Green light for City Oval and Sawyer Park redevelopment

Published on 26 November 2021

Jeff Both at Sawyer Park

Horsham Rural City Council will seek funding from state and federal governments to modernise City Oval and Sawyer Park after a concept plan to redevelop the precinct was adopted at this week’s November meeting.

The plans were released for public feedback in June and July, with 78 formal submissions made.

The main aim is to upgrade City Oval as the Wimmera’s premier AFL and cricket venue and improve Sawyer Park’s standing as Horsham’s showpiece space for outdoor events.

As part of the City Oval draft designs, the size of the playing field would be expanded and a new multi-purpose pavilion and covered spectator areas would be built along with a second netball court.

Near the site of the existing scoreboard, an enclosed and roofed stage suitable for large music events would be constructed with dual frontages to City Oval and Sawyer Park.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said extensive consultation had occurred with the precinct’s user groups.

“A Community Reference Group (CRG), made up of user groups and community representatives, steered the development of the concept plans,” she said.

“The key focus was working closely with user groups and listening to their needs.

“Discussions also occurred with state sporting associations including Cricket Victoria, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria regarding standards and specifications for new infrastructure.

“Likewise, we heard from members of the broader community through in-person events such as the Why We Live Here Expo held in June at Jubilee Hall and other pop-up listening posts.”

As result of the consultation, the location of the proposed playground was moved to be closer to the netball courts.

Other changes made to the design was the inclusion of additional ambulance entrances and adjustments to the netball court specifications.

Previously, the idea of re-orientating the oval was been omitted due to a lack of support from key stakeholders.

Any groups that will be impacted by the development will be appropriately relocated in consultation with their needs as funding is pursued and the project evolves.

Cr Gulline said the next step would be to advocate for funding.

The projected cost is $17,006,102.

“This is not a funding commitment for ratepayers – it is an endorsement of a concept plan and authorisation to start seeking external funding to make it happen.

“We will seek funding for individual stages and combined stages of the project as appropriate grant programs become available,” she said.

“Every step of the way, the council will review its options to determine the best way to proceed.” 

Cr Gulline thanked CRG members for their achievement so far.

“The work of the individual members of the CRG has been valuable and is greatly appreciated,” she said.

“This bodes well for future CRG engagement models for complex community asset planning.”

The City Oval/Sawyer Park precinct redevelopment project is one of seven included in the City to River Masterplan, and is the second to progress after the riverfront precinct.

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