AFTER getting the green light at the Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) meeting on Wednesday night, work on the Melville Oval Redevelopment is all ready to get underway with fences going up in preparation for construction.
Council has approved the planning permit for the redevelopment of Melville Oval with works to commence from July 24.
The $8.4m project comprises a new social pavilion, two netball courts, redevelopment of the Heritage Grandstand and landscaping.
The Melville Oval construction contract was awarded to local building contractor, Ultrabuild Construction Group.
The tender is valued at just above $7.2 million dollars excluding GST and will pave the way for one of the most significant construction projects in the Hamilton CBD for decades.
The heritage overlay across the Melville Oval precinct necessitated a planning permit for any works associated with building demolition, removal of trees, alterations or extensions to existing buildings and construction of new buildings or infrastructure.
SGSC mayor, councillor David Robertson confirmed that the project would officially begin with the demolition of the existing changerooms and the non-heritage component of the grandstand, shelter structures, the Kangaroo’s Football Club kiosk, partial fence removal and the greenkeeper shed.
These works will be underway soon and are expected to be completed within a two-week timeframe.
“Site preparation will start in September with bulk earthworks, fill and levelling,” Cr Robertson said.
“The redevelopment of the grandstand and construction of other buildings and amenities will be staged in time for the December 2024 completion.
“The Melville Reserve User Groups will be engaged in the project and regular project updates will be provided via Council’s media platforms.”
Cr Robertson said access throughout Melville Reserve would be restricted during the construction period, when minor repair works will be undertaken on the oval surface and irrigation.
Pedestrian detours will be sign-posted, however continued access through CFA running track and existing netball courts will be maintained - there will be no restrictions to the cenotaph.
At the SGSC monthly meeting, council also resolved its intention of a partial road discontinuance along Market Place to create sufficient space for the new netball courts and pavilion.
In line with statutory requirements, council will now advertise the proposed partial road discontinuance for a period of 28 days between July 15, 2023, and August 12, 2023, and invite submissions from the public.
Feedback on the proposal can be submitted via the ‘Have Your Say’ section on council’s website, writing a letter addressed to Locked Bag 685 or visit council’s customer service centre at 111 Brown Street.
