A planned relocation of the old timber pavilion at Chirnside Park has raised concerns for locals worried about Werribee’s historic icons.
Bill Strong, the president of Werribee Heritage Recovery Group, said little was known about how the building was being relocated.
“We’re being told it is going to be relocated to the other side of the oval,” he said. “But how? The building has been at Chirnside Park since 1924 and is still in reasonable condition. How does council plan to move it?”
Mr Strong said he was disappointed that heritage groups had not been consulted.
“We’ve seen this happen with other buildings in Werribee – they’re all being slowly removed,” he said.
At their meeting last week, councillors approved a permit application to demolish the existing main grandstand and club rooms and relocate the pavilion opposite new facilities.
Council sustainable development director Dean Rochford said a qualified contractor would determine the most appropriate way to complete the move.
Infrastructure director David Suder said it was likely the pavilion would not be used after relocation.
Werribee Football Club’s chief executive Mark Penaluna said the new pavilion would serve the region well in its ability to handle sports and major events.
“The existing pavilion seats 50 people – the new one will cater to 500 people,” he said.
Penaluna said the overall redevelopment of Chirnside Park included changerooms for females; facilities for a youth sport and education initiative, the “Werribee Huddle”; and access for the disabled.
“It will be a real showpiece for the west,” he said.
