Project update - March 2024

Council’s proposed design for Brunswick Street Oval was the subject of extensive community engagement in 2022 and the feedback received was used to inform the proposed design.

Like many councils in Victoria, supply chain issues and the rising cost of materials and labour are impacting on project delivery. In addition, the construction costs came in significantly over budget. As a result, we were unable to commence construction of Stage 1 of the new sports pavilion as planned in late 2023 and the original scope of the project was no longer feasible due to the significant increase in costs.

Council is committed to delivering this project and is working with key stakeholders including sporting clubs and the Victorian Government to establish a revised design for the facilities that can be delivered within the available budget, while still meeting the needs of the local community.

We will keep the community updated as the project progresses.

What we asked

We’ve made changes to our proposed design for reinvigorating the Brunswick Street Oval sporting and community facilities. These changes were needed to ensure upgrades to the historic grandstand meet heritage requirements, while still providing much-needed facilities for sporting clubs and the community.

We asked you to tell us what you thought about the new proposed design. We are also exploring options for site-specific public art, and we asked for your ideas.

You were able to share your feedback by filling in the form below by Sunday 1 May 2022 at 11:59pm, or by coming along to our in person consultations at Brunswick Street Oval which were held on:

• Saturday 23 April, between 10.30am and 12pm
• Tuesday 26 April, between 3pm and 4.30pm

The process so far

In early 2019 we spoke to the sporting clubs, community groups, local residents and other users of the Brunswick Street Oval facilities. You told us you want this much-loved corner of Edinburgh Gardens enhanced and updated, whilst maintaining its heritage.

We then asked for your feedback on a concept plan, which we developed based on the feedback we received from the community, as well as an analysis of the needs of the sporting clubs and community groups who use the facilities, both now and into the future.

What has changed in the proposed design?

The previous concept plan proposed new community and sporting facilities as additions to the grandstand, but this did not meet heritage requirements.

This new proposal will develop two new buildings: a sports pavilion for cricket and football to the west and a tennis and community room building to the north of the grandstand. This means there will be minimal impact on the exterior of the grandstand building, which is heritage listed.

The existing community room building adjacent to the grandstand will be removed, restoring the prominence of the heritage grandstand in the landscape.

The proposed designs for the sports pavilion and tennis and community pavilion are two storeys, to ensure public open space is maximised.

Click through the information below to find out what's proposed. You can also see the previous concept plan.

Councillors considered your feedback at a council meeting on Tuesday 31 May 2022. Find out more about the meeting, and read the minutes, on our website.