The Geelong and Surf Coast hockey community has welcomed the release of details of the upcoming Stead Park upgrades.
Development Victoria, Hockey Victoria and Geelong Hockey Association (GHA) announced the completion of the concept design phase of the new upgrades to the Corio hockey facilities last week.
According to designs by the project’s design consultant CO.OP Studio, the revamped Stead Park will include a brand new two-storey pavilion positioned between the facility’s two pitches, allowing for viewing of both playing areas.
The pavilion’s ground floor will include four change rooms, a match officials room, a canteen, equipment and team storage spaces and a first aid area. The second floor will feature a social space, meeting room, kitchen and seated terrace.
The project will also provide a new access road, additional parking and a redeveloped western pitch with new fencing, drainage, electronic scoreboard and lighting.
GHA president Graeme Dent said the association was “incredibly pleased” with newly-released designs.
“We’re really conscious that this is an absolute gift and we’re so appreciative of it,” Mr Dent said.
“For a game that was started in 1912 at Eastern Beach by the women, this is the biggest investment in (Geelong) hockey in that time. And it’s not just Stead Park, the new ground at Torquay will now mean hockey down the Surf Coast is going to explode.
“The facilities are going to be state of the art… (and) will mean that we’re going to get state championships, national championships, and we’ll also have the ground to host an international game.
“The sport is going to really elevate to the next level. The future is very, very bright.”
