Olympic Park, home of National Premier League club Heidelberg United, will receive a combined $7.5 million in funding from local and state governments to continue improvements and development of facilities.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Community Sport and Youth, Ros Spence, announced during a press conference at Olympic Park on Friday that the State Labor Government would contribute $4.5 million to stages 3 and 4 of redevelopment at the ground, alongside a $3 million contribution from Banyule City Council.
“These important projects will deliver local jobs in the short term and top-notch facilities for passionate sportspeople for decades to come,” Spence said.
“It’s vital that clubs can provide modern facilities for existing and prospective members – whether they are players, coaches, administrators, or supporters.”
These plans include the expansion of current infrastructure and car park, development of the pavilion, and the building of futsal/basketball courts. The funding is a part of the Daniel Andrews state government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Program.
The ground received a $7 million upgrade during stages 1 and 2 of the redevelopment, which included a new main pitch, as well as a junior and full sized synthetic pitch, of which the state government provided $3.5 million. Today’s conference marked the completion of the upgrade as Spence announced further funding from the state government and Banyule City Council for stages 3 and 4.
Member of Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines attended the announcement and spoke to the crowd of Heidelberg United fans, local government officials, and media.
“Olympic Park is a place where the community comes together. It’s fantastic that people in Heidelberg and surrounding suburbs will be able to enjoy sports facilities and a meeting place of such a high standard,” he said.
Heidelberg United president Steve Tsalikidis praised the announcement and the work that had been put into securing the funding for the ground.
“A key feature of Heidelberg United’s success on and off the pitch has been the game-changing upgrades here at Olympic Park, and we thank the Victorian government for their part in making the facilities even better.”
Also in attendance at the announcement was Banyule City Mayor Rick Garotti and Football Victoria CEO Kimon Taliadoros.
So far the Community Sports infrastructure Stimulus Package has funded 70 projects worth $335 million in Victoria.
Olympic Park was built in 1956 to accommodate and provide a training base for athletes competing in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
