Two major sports grounds in western Geelong are set for overhauls worth a combined $14 million.
West Oval is earmarked for upgrades worth around $10 million and Herne Hill Reserve is set for a $4 million makeover after councillors this week endorsed master plans for both grounds.
However, both projects remain subject to finalisations of funding arrangements.
State Labor had promised $7.4 million for West Oval but the project could still need a partnership between all levels of government, the AFL and tenant clubs to cover the full cost, council said.
West Oval’s plan would deliver a new two-storey clubrooms and community building along with other infrastructure upgrades while maintaining “heritage elements, such as the Flowers Family Stand”.
The project would turn West Oval into a “regional facility … capable of hosting AFLW and VFL games,” said deputy mayor Peter Murrihy.
The plan would restore the ground’s “glory days” of big crowds “watching local footy,” he said.
“It’s probably the ground with the most history in Geelong outside of Kardinia Park, so although the $10 million estimated cost made it seem like a pipe dream, with an election commitment from Labor we now have a real chance to see it come to fruition.”
Herne Hill Reserve faces a simpler funding process, with council to consider the project in next year’s budget after state Labor and the coalition both promised $1.5 million.
The long-awaited upgrade would improve the reserve’s “look and feel” as City Hall worked with tenant clubs on “specific requests” for the ground’s pavilion, council said.
“By bringing the facilities up to a modern standard we’ll be able to cater for existing clubs as well as the expected growth in people playing sports in the region,” Mayor Bruce Harwood said.
“With strong female participation in these sports it’s also important we continue to provide gender neutral facilities.”
