New pavilion gets green light as Lloyd Park’s jewel in the crown
Published on 08 July 2021
Some of Frankston City’s oldest sporting clubs will soon be in the newest of homes with a $6.5 million centrepiece pavilion in Lloyd Park Reserve getting the green light.
The Federal Government has committed $3 million toward the major development, with Frankston City Council adding $3,488,626 to ensure the project is fully funded.
Lloyd Park is home to the Langwarrin Football Netball Club, Langwarrin Junior Football Club, Langwarrin Junior Netball Club, Langwarrin Cricket Club and Langwarrin Tennis Club.
Frankston City Council Mayor Kris Bolam said: “Many of the clubs that use Lloyd Park have a long and proud history.”
Mayor Bolam added: “I’m pleased to give the news that this exceptional development will go ahead in the year that the Langwarrin Football Netball Club is celebrating its Centenary.
“A new home will also be a boost for the Langwarrin Cricket Club – founded in 1954 and still going strong. It will be a great place to display their fourth (Peninsula) Jack Peacock Cup win from earlier in the year,” the Mayor said.
The pavilion will enable clubs to meet current and future demand for membership and participation, particularly by female players.
North East Ward Cr Suzette Tayler said: “In replacing a clubroom that is almost 50 years old, Council is making sure that the fantastic trend in rising participation by girls and young women is met by welcoming facilities and can continue.”
The new pavilion will have a second storey with sweeping views of the main oval and across to two other ovals. Accessibility will be a priority with an internal lift, new car parking and extended pavement areas.
A kiosk, four change rooms with female-friendly amenities, two umpires’ rooms, public toilets and two first aid rooms will connect teams and supporters with the fields on the ground floor.
The first floor will include a social room and meeting room, with a kitchen and toilets to support events.
Cr Tayler thanked the Federal Government for its funding commitment.
Senator for Victoria, David Van, said: “Our Government places great importance on encouraging sport and recreation and investments like these provide high quality and accessible places for Victorians to enjoy the benefits of active recreation.
“This upgrade will not only support the ongoing viability of locals and sporting clubs utilising the facility, but also create new employment opportunities, which will support our region well into the future,” Senator Van said.
The Federal Member for Dunkley, Peta Murphy, said: “This redevelopment is the combination of Langwarrin Football Netball Club, Langwarrin Junior Football Club and Langwarrin Cricket Club’s ‘one club vision’ to increase participation in local sport and reach more people in the local community.
“I’m very proud to be supporting this terrific project that will also benefit the broader Langwarrin community,” Ms Murphy said.
The State Member for Hastings, Neale Burgess MP, said: “The sporting leaders of Langwarrin have worked tirelessly towards building a home for their clubs, players, members and community.”
He described Langwarrin as “a great place and wonderful community” and congratulated the Federal Government and Council on bringing the project to fruition.
Langwarrin Football Netball Club president Norm Whiteside said that in the club’s 100th year, Life Members are still enjoying the senior clubrooms they had helped build in 1970, but it was now hampering growth.
Mr Whiteside said: “I expect there’ll be some trepidation when the rooms are demolished, however it will be for nostalgic reasons only.
“We haven’t taken on women’s teams in the senior football club to date because of the antiquated club house. However, with growth within our junior club, we’ll realise a senior women’s team as the new pavilion is handed over sometime mid-2023.
“We’ve got four girls teams in the juniors and the eldest is Under-16s, so we expect now that they will be able to transition into the new building when the red ribbon gets cut,” Mr Whiteside said.
Mr Whiteside thanked Council for allowing club officials to work so closely with Council officers to “future proof” sports at Lloyd Park.
Works already completed at the reserve include lighting on three ovals and new netball courts.
Mr Whiteside said: “It will be one of the best on the Peninsula as far as sporting facilities go. We’ve played at lots of grounds and there’s nothing like this. It will be the jewel in the crown.”
Langwarrin Cricket Club is also planning for its first women’s team in 2022.