A TRANSFORMATION of the Cliff Sambell pavilion is set to begin after Kingston Council appointed a local builder to construct a $2.8million upgrade to Gerry Green Reserve in Parkdale.
Kingston mayor Cr David Eden said the upgrades to the 50-year-old pavilion and surrounding site will have long-lasting benefits for the community as well as sporting groups the Parkdale Cricket Club and Parkdale Vultures Amateur Football Club.
“Although the site has fared well over the last half-century; the replacement of the ageing infrastructure will reinvigorate the site and encourage better participation in local sport for women and girls,” Cr Eden said.
“We are confident the new sporting amenities, upgrades to female and male change rooms, a larger social area, and additional cool rooms, will make it easier for the clubs to retain and attract new members.”
Construction is expected to commence in October and be completed over a 12 month period after the contract was awarded to Clayton South-based Dura Constructions Pty Ltd.
“Council is committed to providing quality parks and sporting facilities, and these works to the much-loved reserve will enhance the area plus meet the needs of Kingston’s residents,” Cr Eden said.
“We are focused on inspiring greater involvement in local sport, and this project will ensure that the city’s sporting infrastructure benefits our growing community for years to come.”
The project will be funded by Kingston Council with support from the state government ($595,000) and the Parkdale Cricket Club and Parkdale Vultures Amateur Football Club will also contribute $50,000 each to the upgrades.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 30 August 2017