By Kirsty Ross
COUNCIL has released the draft master plan for the Bryan Martyn Oval in Newport for community comment until 23 December.
The plan identifies deficiencies in the Market Street Reserve and proposes a staged works program for its improvement.
Deficiencies include a deteriorated sports pavilion and maintenance sheds, unmade car parking, antiquated sports oval floodlighting, and the deteriorated quality of the sports oval and perimeter of reserve fencing.
However, the redevelopment of the sports pavilion is noted as the highest priority with another 18 improvements to the reserve.
Other proposed improvements include kerb extensions to the Derwent Street entry and its closure to through traffic, increased car park capacity, replacement of the oval’s boundary fence, replacement of the perimeter fences, improved pathways and security lighting.
Williamstown North Ward councillor Peter Hemphill said there was high demand for organised sport at the oval.
It plays host to a senior and a junior cricket club, a junior football club and the sports activities of several of the area’s primary schools.
Mayor Renee Caruana said the reserve honoured the memory of local resident and former AFL footballer Bryan Martyn.
“The master plan proposes a raft of improvements to bring it up to the community’s standards and fulfil the vision the late Bryan Martyn had for this facility,” Cr Caruana said.
Council has provisionally allocated $130,000 for work on the pavilion and $62,800 for landscape work.
This would enhance sport and recreation opportunities, and increase the range of residents and visitors using the facility.
The total cost of the proposed program is estimated at $850,000.
