The multi-million-dollar expansion of Ballarat Sports Events Centre (B.SEC) is a step closer, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said final funding arrangements for the projects were now complete, and final design guidelines were being drawn up.

It’s hoped construction will start early in 2021 and be completed early in 2022.

The Labor Government delivered $5.2 million in the 2019 Victorian Budget to expand the Ballarat Sports Events Centre and following the funding agreement announced today the first stage of that funding ($2.08 million) will be handed over for the project to progress.

Works will include a strength and conditioning centre, outdoor 3×3 basketball courts and a façade upgrade for the centre.

This expansion builds on the $9 million already delivered to complete stage one of the centre: six new courts for multi-sport use including basketball, netball, volleyball and badminton, along with a 3,000-seat show court, learning rooms and sports medicine facilities.

It’s part of a major boost to the wider Eureka Sports Precinct by the Government, with $6.6 million committed for Mars Stadium to upgrade entrances and build new covered areas and toilets, plus additional accessible seating in the Western and Eastern stands.

The works are part of the Government’s commitment to sport and active recreation and encouraging all Victorians to get out there and get active. Across Victoria, we’ve invested more than $850 million in community sport and recreation facilities since 2014.

The Government acknowledges the contribution of Ballarat City Council and Basketball Ballarat in progressing the Ballarat Sports Events Centre project.

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

This is what the thousands of local basketballers who play each week deserve.

Students at Federation University, local athletes and grassroots sporting clubs will all benefit from these world class facilities, and the façade upgrade is the final piece in the project.

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“With commitments to build on great facilities at the Sports and Events Centre and Mars Stadium, the Eureka Sports Precinct will be reinforced as one of Victoria’s elite regional centres.”

Quotes attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Ben Taylor

“Ballarat people love their sport and I am sure these new facilities will be packed when the two new sites are open to the public.”

Quotes attributable to Basketball Ballarat CEO Peter Eddy

“We are indebted to the Andrews Labor Government for recognising the value of the Stage 2 project for the Ballarat Sports Events Centre and for allowing the full vision for B.SEC to be completed”

“This Stage 2 grant allows B.SEC to continue to grow to meet the never growing needs of grassroots participants and developing athletes from Ballarat and throughout Western Victoria”.

“This continues the excellent support the Ballarat Sports Events Centre has had from the Victorian Government, support that has been in place across our two venues from as far back as 2004.