The $11.75 million makeover of Werribee’s Chirnside Park is on track to open by Christmas next year.
Works kicked off late September and are progressing quickly, with the old pavilion and toilet block already demolished to make way for a new double-storey pavilion.
The old grandstand has been carefully dismantled and its bits put in storage, as decreed by planning permit conditions.
Once complete, the new home-base of the Werribee Tigers will include upgraded player and umpire change rooms for males and females, disability access to the social room, a gym, canteen, more seating, a multi-purpose meeting and community space, and more car parking.
It will also be home to the North Melbourne Football Club’s youth sport and education initiative, Werribee Huddle.
Werribee Football Club chief executive Mark Penaluna said the redeveloped precinct will showcase Wyndham community and its sport.
Wyndham council chief executive Kelly Grigsby said the demolition of the old pavilion and toilet block was an important first step.
“Construction works on the new pavilion and the rest of the Chirnside Park redevelopment are now under way,” she said, adding that putting the grandstand in storage has been recommended in the planning process.
Ms Grigsby said the precinct would open access to sports for disadvantaged young people through the Huddle, and encourage, support, and cater for the growth in women’s sports with female change rooms included.
The project has been jointly funded by the council, federal and state governments, Werribee Football Club, AFL and AFL Victoria.
Earlier this year, Werribee MP Tim Pallas said the project was a great example of all tiers of government, regardless of party politics, working for the betterment of community.
