By XAVIER SMERDON
WORK has finally begun on the $47.2 million redevelopment of the Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre.
After a decade of speculation and debate over the proposed expansion of the centre, which was opened in 1977 and has been over its capacity for years, the first phase of construction was officially launched last Thursday.
The Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty, and Member for Lalor, Joanne Ryan, launched the redevelopment with Wyndham Mayor Bob Fairclough.
Mr Delahunty said it was not good enough that members of the community had been forced to join waiting lists because the centre was so far over capacity.
“With more and more people making the move to outer suburbs like Werribee, these new works will ensure this vital local infrastructure keeps up to speed with the increasing sport and recreation needs of this expanding community,” Mr Delahunty said.
The project, which is being undertaken by WATPAC Construction Vic, will expand the six indoor courts to 12, including a new show court with seating for up to 1500 people, four outdoor netball courts, a dedicated table tennis space, health club, function rooms and a creche.
But the new development will see the scrapping of the current tennis courts.
“It’s incredible to think that they’re spending more than $46 million on the new rec centre and not one tennis court will be built,” one angry resident told Star.
Ms Ryan said the community had been waiting for the centre to be redeveloped for years.
“Local residents will be delighted to see progress being made on such an important community space,” Ms Ryan said.
“The Hub is in a great location, between Melbourne and regional Victoria, and has the potential to bring visitors and investment to our region.
“Locally the project will promote local sports participation, enhance social inclusion and improve the health and wellbeing for our community.”
Construction crews were on sight on Thursday when the works were launched and it is expected to be finished by 2016.
The works will also be done in stages to minimise the disruption to users for the centre.
Mr Delahunty said once it was opened, Wyndham could expect to host more State level events at the centre.
“Local sports clubs, right up to elite state squads will soon have the perfect venue to train, build on sport development programs and stage the big events,” he said.
“Importantly the bigger venue will open up a whole range of new sport and recreation opportunities for locals to get together, build on their fitness, join a club and get more active, more often.”
Wyndham ratepayers footed the majority of the bill for the redevelopment, with Wyndham Council contributing $37 million, the Federal Government contributing $9 million and the State Government kicking in $650,000.
