The City of Greater Geelong has agreed to purchase the land and assets of the Bell Park Sports Club to ensure grassroots sport continues thrive in Batesford and surrounds.
Council has given the green light for the City to assume ownership of the land and buildings at 10 Lynnburn Road, Batesford under the terms of a $2.55 million agreement with the club.
This includes an $821,500 contribution from the state government and approximately $1.73 million from the City.
Brownbill Ward councillor Eddy Kontelj said the land was purchased at market value and was a sound investment in community sport and recreation.
“Bell Park Sports Club has a proud history and has been providing soccer facilities for the local community for more than 60 years and continues to cater to hundreds of junior and senior players,” Cr Kontelj said.
“At market cost, this agreement is financially sound and will ensure we have sporting facilities to meet the future needs of our growing population – the community will be the beneficiary of this investment.
“Geelong is a sporting city, however, we can only retain that reputation by delivering and retaining facilities in key growth areas.”
As part of the agreement, funding from the City and the state government will be used to deliver a $1.4 million upgrade to facilities at the club, including female friendly change rooms.
The City will also complete a lighting upgrade for pitch one up to the value of $635,000, with funding from the state government.
Councillor Anthony Aitken said the landmark agreement was a win for the community.
“This is a momentous decision for the club and council,” he said.
“The site is strategically located within the future Western Urban Growth Zone with a projected population of 60,000 residents.
“Transferring the land from private to community ownership will ensure the world game continues to grow in Geelong now and in the future.”
Bell Park Sports Club president Rose Pirrottina said the agreement secured the future of the sports club.
“The Bell Park Sports Club welcomes this arrangement with council that will see our much-loved home become an asset of the community,” Ms Pirrottina said.
“This outcome has been a long time in the making and will ensure we can grow sporting opportunities for all participants.
“We thank our members for backing this decision and extend thanks to councillors Eddy Kontelj, Anthony Aitken, and Kylie Grzybek for supporting us in this historic announcement. We also thank our entire council chamber and council officers for facilitating this amazing outcome for the Geelong community.”
A community infrastructure grant of $348,000 provided by the City to the club in 2020 will be redirected to the land transfer.
