Major upgrades to Bellbird Park a gamechanger for local community
Published on 22 February 2024
Major upgrades to Drouin’s Bellbird Park including the construction of a new multi-purpose pavilion are nearly finished, with practical completion expected in the coming months.
West Ward Councillors including Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe, Deputy Mayor Cr Tricia Jones, and Cr Keith Cook got a behind the scenes sneak peek at the new facility on Tuesday afternoon.
Construction kicked off in January 2022 with the new 186 space carpark delivered in November the same year.
Once fully complete, the project will deliver a female friendly multi-use community facility including:
- A multi-use community space including a commercial kitchen, audio visual equipment, flexible room configurations and access to male, female and accessible toilets.
- Four new player change rooms with access to inclusive amenities.
- Two official’s rooms with amenities.
- Storage spaces.
- First aid room.
- Office/ meeting room.
- Two canteens.
- A drop-off zone.
The redevelopment to the new soccer pitch has also made good progress and depending on weather, is expected to open in June 2024.
An official opening will be held by Council when the project is complete.
Cr Annemarie McCabe said she was extremely impressed with the new facilities and said they would make a huge difference to the local sporting clubs who use Bellbird Park.
“It was great to get in and see the progress being made at Bellbird Park,” Cr McCabe said.
“This facility was crying out for a modern sporting pavilion and that is what we have delivered.
“This major uplift to Bellbird Park will have a huge impact locally in Drouin and beyond, and I hope it encourages even more participation from our local community.”
“I also see the unveiling of the upgrades to Bellbird Park as a timely reminder of the importance of two new Council policies that are currently out for community feedback, being the Sports Pavilion Design and Development and Fair Access policies.
“I encourage the community to visit Baw Baw Connect and have your say on these, as it’s future projects similar to the Bellbird Park upgrades that will be encompassed in these policies.”
The new pavilion will be home to the West Gippsland Hockey Association, the Drouin Dragons Soccer Club and Drouin Cricket Club. The facility will also provide a community events space and contribute to the Drouin Community Hub implementation plans.
The Bellbird Park East pavilion and new carpark project is valued at more than $4 million, with a Council contribution of $2.17 million and a $2 million contribution from the Victorian Government through its Growing Suburbs Fund.
The project has been undertaken by local contractors Langden Constructions and A1, with design by JJC Design and SportEng.
To find out more about these upgrades and keep track of progress, visit https://www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/About-Council/Major-Projects/Bellbird-Park-East-Pavilion.