WYNDHAM Council has completed preliminary plans for the redevelopment of Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre, but external funding must be secured for the $47million overhaul to proceed.
Councillors last week endorsed a concept design for the indoor centre, and agreed to start developing a detailed plan for the project.
But it will be some time before the trouble-plagued centre is redeveloped, as the council needs to submit planning permit applications, draw up tender lists and source external funding before the project can begin.
As reported in the Weekly, the centre’s condition has been criticised with some junior basketball games cancelled in February and March due to faulty backboards and a leaking roof.
Heathdale Hornets under-12 team manager Natalie Dunn said redevelopment wasn’t being made a priority.
“At the end of the day the facilities are still really poor and the kids are the ones that suffer.”
While no games have been cancelled since March, Ms Dunn was worried further rain could force more games to be abandoned.
Deputy mayor and chairman of the redevelopment steering committee Glenn Goodfellow said it was vital the project proceeded.
“As the fastest-growing municipality in Victoria, it’s vital that facilities such as this are upgraded to accommodate our increasing
population.”
Redevelopment plans include 12 basketball courts, a cafe, creche, gym and external netball courts, with work to be carried out in two stages to allow the centre to remain open.
