January 1st, 2024Operators announced for new Moorabool Aquatic Recreation stadium
The Moorabool Shire Council has announced a three-year partnership with Belgravia Leisure in the new Moorabool Aquatic Recreation Centre Indoor Stadium at Maddingley.
With a shared commitment to supporting the local region and community, Belgravia will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the centre’s four indoor highball courts, two multi program spaces and function room with kitchenette.
The $17.55 million stadium was officially opened by the Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle in recent weeks with Moorabool Shire Mayor, Cr Ally Munari, and Councillors Moira Berry and Tonia Dudzik among those present.
“Our aim is that this facility, once fully activated for community use, will improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the community; it’s a facility that can be used for both sport and social interaction,” Cr Munari said at the opening event.
Cr Munari said Belgravia Leisure steps into the position with a wealth of experience in the operations and management of recreation and leisure facilities.
“Council undertook a rigorous tender process and we’re very pleased with the outcome so we can welcome the community to start using this great sporting facility,” Cr Munari said.
It’s anticipated the newly constructed indoor stadium will open to the public from January 2024 with a community family fun day planned for the new year.
“We’re very much looking forward to starting this partnership with Council and bringing the community of Bacchus Marsh and surrounds a much-needed modern sport and recreation space,” Belgravia Leisure CEO Nick Cox said.
“We are also eager to get started on building a positive relationship with the community so that we are able to deliver services and programs that are tailored to the area, ensuring a focus on individual and community priorities and preferences whilst ensuring we include and welcome all.”
Work on the indoor stadium facility (stage one) began in 2022 thanks to $1.9 million from the Victorian Government and $15 million from Moorabool Shire Council.
The stadium features:
- Four indoor highball courts
- 340 seat stadium with stand-alone change rooms
- Entry, reception, kiosk, office and administration areas
- Public toilet facilities
- 2 Multi-purpose / program spaces
- A function room with kitchenette
- First aid room and referees room
- Changeroom facilities
- Storage and plant room
- Car parking with 118 spaces
The Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC) is a three-stage development that consists of:
- Stage 1: indoor sports stadium (complete – funded by the Victorian Government and Council)
- Stage 2: regional bowls and community hub (funded – Victorian Government and Council)
- Stage 3: indoor pool complex (Victorian Government and Council funding committed. Advocacy for funding from the Australian Government is ongoing).
