Horsham company to build netball pavilion

Horsham company Locks Constructions has been awarded the contract to build Horsham City Oval’s new community netball pavilion, bringing the much-anticipated project a step closer to reality.

Horsham Rural City Council’s tender process was not without its challenges, with rising construction industry costs necessitating three separate calls for tenders.

Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla said, despite the hurdles, HRCC was pleased to confirm that the pavilion would stay true to its original concept.

“The new pavilion promises to be a modern addition to the City Oval, featuring a curved facade that aligns with the two newly constructed netball courts.

While the design is contemporary, it complements the existing structures at the Oval, ensuring that it will fit nicely into its surrounds,” Mr Bhalla said.

Mr Bhalla said soaring construction industry costs meant Council had to advertise the tender multiple times.

“The building’s design was revisited and reworked to reduce cost while maintaining functionality. Most amendments related to structural steel elements, with some minor floor plan simplification.

“Our persistence has paid off and we are pleased to have reached this milestone on behalf of the Horsham community and key user groups, including the Horsham Demons Football and Netball Club and the Horsham City Netball Association,” he said.

The completion of the project is scheduled to coincide with the end of the 2025 Wimmera Football and Netball League season, ensuring the facility is ready for use in the following season.

The multi-use pavilion will boast a range of facilities, including:

• Two main change rooms with amenities
• An accessible change room
• Three umpire change areas
• A first aid/medical room
• A social space, kiosk, and pantry
• An office for netball administration
• Equipment and storage space
• Three spectator (public) amenities, including an accessible toilet, all with external access
• A canopy for external shelter
• Mounded viewing areas
• Landscaped areas and connecting pathways

The project, including the completed courts and lighting, is funded via the Victorian Government and the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund.

The City Oval/Sawyer Park redevelopment project is one of seven precincts included in the City to River Masterplan and is the second to progress after work on the riverfront precinct in 2021.

Other City Oval projects include the externally funded multipurpose events stage and twin netball courts.

Council is still seeking state and federal grants to build a new general community pavilion to replace the current two-storey building.