Moreland City Council has released an initial Hosken Reserve Master Plan to the community, in preparation for a final round of feedback before a green light towards the upgrade.
Hosken Reserve serves as the primary ground of Victorian National Premier League team Pascoe Vale FC.
The plan features an upgrade to the two pitches at Hosken Reserve, as well as the development of a hybrid grass-synthetic soccer pitch to be used by Pascoe Vale FC. In addition the clubrooms, lighting and car park are being upgraded.
In December 2020, a report was tabled at the Moreland City Council meeting recommending a new master plan developed through an in-depth community engagement process. Since then, several rounds of development and community consultation have occured.
Pascoe Vale FC President Lou Tonna explains that the plan is a result of years of consultation and it should satisfy all constituents.
“There was a master plan in 2009, and unfortunately a lot of it hasn’t been activated. There was some community pushback in regards to that plan, and it went to community consultation. There were a few things adopted by the council and it went to a refresh group, who aimed to get a reasonable outcome for the entire community,” Tonna said.
“This being the school, the Tennis club, the football club, and also the residents. I believe this master plan has hit the mark.”
In May Moreland Mayor Cr Annalivia Carli Hannan believed the plan would satisfy members of the local community.
“Our community health and well-being is strengthened by sport participation as well as by general community use of open space. Inner metropolitan councils have increasing demands on our limited open space, with competing needs and uses. I want to thank community members, including sports clubs and local residents, for their feedback and contribution,” she said.
Tonna says that the development should be finished within three years and that the outcome is a positive one for the community.
“It’s going out to community consultation, and we are hoping it will be finished in the next one to three years,” he said.
“We’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the refresh group. We are very happy with the outcome of the master plan, and believe it’s great for everyone involved. This isn’t just about Pascoe Vale, it’s about the whole community.”
