Green light for basketball and gymnastics stadium redevelopment
Published on 15 September 2023
At the Council meeting on 11 September, Councillors endorsed plans to construct a new stadium at the existing Bardia Avenue site that will house 10 basketball courts and the first dedicated community gymnastics space in Frankston City.
The decision means the project, which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for two of Frankston City’s fastest growing sports, can now move to the detailed design and construction phase.
The $60m project has already secured funding from the State and Federal Government of $15m each, with Council to invest $30m.
Mayor Nathan Conroy said the decision to invest in the new Frankston Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium would futureproof the two sports while delivering a number of social and economic benefits for the community.
“Frankston has some of the highest participation rates in basketball and gymnastics in the state. Building this stadium will enable more people to get involved in sport, deliver healthier outcomes for the community, and make our city an even better place to live work and play,” he said.
Federal Member for Dunkley Peta Murphy MP said she was proud to deliver the state-of-the-art basketball facilities to an association that embodies inclusion and community.
“The Federal Government is delivering on its commitment to making sure Frankston City has enough basketball courts for everyone to play, including space for gymnastics to grow as a community sport,” she said.
State Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke MP said that with the best basketball association in Victoria at the moment, basketball in Frankston City will benefit from this major investment for generations to come.
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of a Victorian Government that is committed to funding the delivery of facilities for one of the most popular recreation sports spanning all ages and abilities within Frankston City.”
The redevelopment of the stadium as a basketball and gymnastics facility has had strong community backing, with 73% of responses to Council’s Draft Advocacy Priorities being recorded as satisfied or very satisfied with the project’s prioritisation.
Council’s decision follows the start of construction mid this year of the Kananook Commuter Car Park, also located within the Kananook Station and Recreation Precinct.
The 300-plus space car park, which was fully funded by the Australian government, will be available for recreation users during off-peak periods. Construction of car park works will finish in the middle of next year, with the construction of basketball and gymnastics stadium redevelopment expected to commence in 2025.