The outdated Stadium is hindering Council’s ability to attract significant tournaments and events to the region, providing a barrier to improve social and economic outcomes for Greater Shepparton.
The current Greater Shepparton Major Events Program brings in $62 million per annum, which could be increased with an improved venue catering for sporting events and a range of other large events, with seating for up to 3,000 spectators. It is anticipated that over a 10-year period once completed, new tournaments and events hosted by an expanded Stadium are expected to attract more than 134,000 additional visitors to Greater Shepparton, including tournament participants, spectators and officials.
The current Stadium is not compliant with basketball major tournament requirements and is non-compliant for netball, badminton and other sporting codes. The four court configuration and the popularity of basketball is limiting the ability of junior players to train and play, and is impacting indoor sport growth for sports such as pickleball, badminton, volleyball, table tennis and wheelchair sports.
The current Stadium is also not compliant with disability access standards. Whilst Council has maintained the Stadium to a high standard with regular investment, it is difficult to meet current standards without significant investment into a new facility. In addition, parking and connection to the stadium is inadequate.
Greater Shepparton City Council is advocating on behalf of the community to government, the opposition, Ministers and members of the Australian Government to contribute $20 million to the re-development of the Shepparton Sports Stadium into a Shepparton Sports & Events Centre. Council is also asking the Victorian Government to contribute $8 million, with Council contributing $4 million towards the redevelopment.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the project is shovel ready with a design that enables a staged approach, less disruption to users of the Stadium and is mindful of the constrained economic conditions of the Australian and Victorian Governments.
“The project is more than just a Sports and Events Centre, it will be a significant regional hub that services the six surrounding municipalities. The redevelopment will provide for large scale events at state, national and international standards and cater for additional activities such as dance, boxing, judo, taekwondo, pickleball and other multisport and non-sporting events,” he said.
“The economic benefit of attracting major events flows through to our local businesses, with accommodation and hospitality providers set to benefit, as well as other visitor experiences and attractions.”
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