Minister Hugh Delahunty with Mayor Tony Briffa at the opening of the new pavilion. 81329 Picture: VANESSA CHIRCOP
By VANESSA CHIRCOP
IT may have been more than 10 years in the making but residents and visitors to Hobsons Bay can finally enjoy the new and improved Williamstown Cricket Ground pavilion.
The $8.77 million redevelopment, which was officially opened last week, will offer footy and cricket fans a birds-eye view of all their heroes at the historic venue.
Hobsons Bay Mayor Tony Briffa said Hobsons Bay City Council had contributed $3 million to transforming the Williamstown Cricket Ground into a modern sporting facility and a venue of which the community could be proud.
“This wonderful facility has been a dream for not only members of the Williamstown Football and Cricket Clubs but for all local sports lovers,” Cr Briffa said.
“We know this facility is the envy of others and it deserves to be, with a restructured oval, tanks under the playing surface to save drinking water, state-of-the-art cricket practice nets and a magnificent pavilion with a function centre that has views of Port Phillip Bay and the city skyline that would rival anywhere in Melbourne.”
Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty last week joined players from the Williamstown football and cricket clubs to officially open the new pavilion featuring a covered grandstand and a 260-seat function room with panoramic views.
“Local community organisations and clubs now have the perfect space to train and develop volunteers including umpires and coaches, stage awards events, as well as build on the player and fan base for all sports at the ground,” he said.
Mr Delahunty said the State Government had contributed $3 million towards the project and he commended Hobsons Bay City Council for its $3 million, Williamstown Football Club for its $2.25 million, the AFL and AFL Victoria for each contributing $250,000 and the Williamstown Cricket Club for its $20,000 contribution.
Councillor Angela Altair said redevelopment of the cricket ground was a whole of community project with many partnerships formed and strengthened.
“Local residents have watched with interest and support as the pavilion has been transformed and it has been great to see the tenant sporting clubs, the council, the State Government and peak sporting bodies work together to redevelop this historic ground,” Cr Altair said.
“I am looking forward to cheering on the Seagulls when they play their first home game against Box Hill on 9 June.”
