Preserving our local facilities
Published on 12 March 2024
Council currently has three projects underway that will see key community assets preserved for generations to come.
A tender to appoint a heritage architect to document the required conservation works and design the upgrades needed to bring the Princes Park Grandstand up to contemporary standards will be advertised this week.
A contract will shortly be awarded to fully document and assess the Carisbrook, Dunolly and Talbot community halls so that they are construction ready.
Plus, a tender for the design and documentation that would see the renewal of the existing roof at the Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre is also about to be awarded.
In the 2023-2024 Council Budget, funding was allocated for all three projects.
This detailed design work is important so that Council can produce reliable cost estimates and has what is required to apply for funding when suitable grants become available.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Liesbeth Long said the projects were part of Council’s commitment to maintain and preserve its community facilities.
“For us to be in a position to apply for grants to see these facilities upgraded, we must have detailed designs and reliable cost estimates ready to go. I’m excited to see these three design projects underway as it brings us one step closer to being in a position to apply for funding when grant opportunities become available.
“Princes Park is a much-loved destination in the Central Goldfields Shire, and of course the Grandstand is very much the jewel in the crown of this precinct. It’s an iconic landmark and the backdrop to community sport and our biggest event – Energy Breakthrough.
“We know that urgent facility upgrades are needed to preserve this community facility and increase its functionality to ensure it is fit for purpose.
“This Council is committed to seeing the Grandstand upgraded – it’s one of our Priority Projects and we continue to advocate to see it refurbished.
“In order for us to progress our efforts, it’s time for us to get clear on what our community needs.
“This process will start in the coming months once the tender for architectural services has been appointed.
“Once appointed we’ll be calling for our community to help with this process and we look forward to working together so we can create designs we can all be proud of.
“Likewise, we know our community halls at Carisbrook, Dunolly and Talbot are highly-valued by our local community. They and are often the soul of the town by fostering community cohesion. It’s where people come together to meet, socialise, build connections and reflect upon the past with back-to’s.
“The assessment of all three halls will help us understand what works are needed to restore the Hall and will give us the planning needed to apply for grants to carry out the works.
“With the retiling project currently underway at the Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre (MSLC) it’s time for us to shift our focus to the next project – we know urgent repairs are needed on the existing MSLC roof and this project will allow us to assess what exactly is required.”
Princes Park Grandstand project
You can register your interest in the Princes Park Grandstand project and receive direct, regular updates on progress:
Visit: www.engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/grandstand
Email: mail@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au
Mail: Central Goldfields Shire Council, 22 Nolan Street, Maryborough, Victoria, 3465