Showgrounds, Recreation Upgrade “Alexandra Standard” Feb.15th 2017
Planned upgrades to the Alexandra Showgrounds and Recreation Reserve include space and buildings that would provide far more adequate amenities for current user groups than currently available. Display spaces for the annual Agricultural Show as well as facilities for junior and senior netballers, footballers, cricketers and umpires would be improved and large functions could be accommodated. The updated facilities will include a commercial kitchen, bar facilities and storage and viewing spaces. The project also includes planning for the construction of two new netball courts with associated infrastructure including shelters, lighting and fencing. Improvements to the lighting at the oval are also planned. The present main building is in a very poor state. It is over forty years old and was built from two relocated one hundred year old school buildings. A number of additions and renovations have resulted in a mixture of timber, chipboard, corrugated iron and cement block construction. Despite considerable effort and funds over the years by various stakeholders to maintain it, many structural and functional issues exist and it is now at a point where that spending more money on repairs has become an exercise in futility. Since 2000 the Alexandra Football Netball Club (AFNC) with the support of the other stakeholders and the Recreation Reserve Committee of Management (COM) has been pursuing a plan to replace the existing building with a Community Multi-Purpose Facility. It is intended to construct a quality fit-for-purpose facility that will be self sustaining and be available to the wider Murrindindi community for sporting and cultural purpose into the future. With the help of a range of local business people, volunteers and Council a considerable amount of preparatory work has all ready been undertaken to move toward construction of this facility. The Club has received quotes and estimates for the various components of the overall project. The $1.5 million Multi Purpose facility construction includes the removal of the existing building, landscaping, and Reserve entrance works. Other costs include $290,000 for an upgrade of lighting to the reserve (200lux) $200,000 for two new netball courts with associated infrastructure. $280,000 for a netball building with showers, change rooms, toilets, and storage. $70,000 for the provision of lighting for two netball courts $40,000 for the upgrade of power to the Reserve. For over a decade the AFNC has been investing funds raise each year by the Clubs Ladies Committee and other fund raising sources. Total AFNC funds are in excess of $300,000. Stage One, cost estimated at $270,000 will see the construction of two netball courts with associates infrastructure and lighting. Murrindindi Shire Council (MSC) has successfully applied for $95,000 through the Country Football Netball program with the ANFC supplying the balance of the funds to complete the project. Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2017 and be completed for the start of the 2017 football netball season. Stage Two, cost estimated at $280,000 will see the construction of a building at the netball courts with change rooms, showers, toilets, office and storage facilities. MSC has successfully applied for $95,000 through the Victorian Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund with the ANFC supplying the balance of the funds. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2017. Stage Three will see the construction of the multi-purpose facility. Stage Four will see the upgrading of the lighting to the Reserve... For further information, contact alexfootball@virtual.net.au