Planning begins on Tarneit sports facility

(Damjan Janevski) 255196_01

Planning for a proposed indoor sports facility in Tarneit is now underway following Wyndham council’s decision to award the contract for its design.

Located on Derrimut Road and on the fringe of the future Tarneit Major Town Centre, the facility is expected to cost $60 million and will include several amenities.

Among the amenities will be four indoor multi-use sport courts, four community program rooms, café, office areas and associated amenities, including a dedicated parking section.

The design will also consider options for future expansion, including additional indoor courts, gymnastics hall and associated services and amenities, with these options subject to future funding.

Mayor Mia Shaw said when completed, the facility will attract state-of-the-art sports to Tarneit.

“The Tarneit Indoor Sports Facility will provide residents with opportunities to stay fit and healthy, both mentally and physically, and improve social connections within the community,” Cr Shaw said.

“Sport is more than play–it’s empowerment.”

Ideas for the indoor sports centre went through a series of feedback phases from residents last year.

The proposed centre will host targeted programs for community members facing barriers to access and at risk of being physically inactive.

Deputy mayor Josh Gilligan said the project was vital in serving a rapidly expanding catchment.

“As our population continues to grow, so too does demand for critical sporting infrastructure,” Cr Gilligan said.

“Projects like this align with council’s goal of establishing an integrated sports facility network across Wyndham that will benefit the physical, mental and social wellness of the whole community.”

He said council will also eventually find other sources of funding to get the project off the ground.

“It’s important to note that a project of this size requires funding from a number of external partners,” he said.

“Progressing the design will put council in good stead when advocating for the funding needed to make this vision a reality.”