The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is calling for community feedback on the preferred site for a new multipurpose facility at Kyneton’s Barkly Square.

The council had previously endorsed the development of a multipurpose facility for the Kyneton and District Soccer Club and Kyneton Obedience Dog Club to replace the existing ageing infrastructure.

The outdated existing infrastructure currently includes Obedience Dog Club rooms, old soccer change rooms, social room area and public toilet block.

Several site location options have been considered for the construction of a new facility, with council
officers recommending the western side of Barkly Square as the most optimal.

At its recent February meeting the council endorsed putting the matter out for community consultation. Those eager to have input are now able to do so up until March 31 via the council’s website.

Kyneton’s Barkly Square will soon welcome back local user groups following a comprehensive upgrade of its playing surface.

State Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas and Council Mayor Annette Death were among those to inspect the ground recently and mark the $1.26 million project’s completion, which comprised close to $756,000 from Council and $500,000 from the Victorian Government’s World Game Facilities Fund.

Currently home to the Kyneton District Soccer Club, Kyneton Obedience Dog Club and Kyneton Smallbore Rifle Club, the ground’s drainage issues had previously made it prone to waterlogging, resulting in events – such as soccer matches – often needing to be cancelled or relocated.

Identified as a key project in the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Barkly Square Master Plan, the completed sports field reconstruction aims to provide a fit-for-purpose, water-resilient playing surface that results in better reliability and greater opportunities for participation.

On the project, Mayor Death said: “It’s so pleasing for Council to have been able to deliver these much-needed Barkly Square upgrades, which will allow user groups to expand their offerings and future-proof their existence.”

“I’d like to thank the Victorian Government for their vital contribution to making this project a reality, and I’d also like to thank the user groups for their patience and collaboration during the works – particularly Kyneton District Soccer Club, which advocated for these upgrades for several years.”

Works undertaken throughout this year included removing the existing turf wicket table, installing new irrigation and drainage systems, and overhauling the existing playing surface by stripping, regrading, cultivating, and resurfacing it.

New sporting infrastructure, including a synthetic cricket pitch and soccer goals, was also installed. The ground is anticipated to be ready for use in February 2024 once the turf has established.

As a primary user of the ground, Kyneton District Soccer Club President Ron Cole said: “The big benefit for our club is that we’re going to be able to train and play throughout the year without having to worry about moving – that makes it more enjoyable and beneficial for everyone involved.”

“We’d like to thank Council, the Victorian Government, all our sponsors and everyone else who continues to support us. We’ve managed to continue to grow our numbers and we’re excited for what the future holds.”

The Barkly Square Master Plan also proposes to build a new pavilion to replace the current ageing changeroom facilities. Council is continuing planning and design work on this aspect.