Leopold Tennis Club will benefit from a City of Greater Geelong pre-commitment of $720,000 towards the construction of a new pavilion with female friendly change rooms at Leopold Memorial Reserve.
The funding pledge is part of the council’s grant application to the 2021-22 Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, under the Female Friendly Facilities program stream.
The priority project is estimated to cost $1.52 million and the city will submit the grant application for the remaining $800,000.
The ageing and non-compliant pavilion doesn’t have change rooms or toilets, leaving members to use the public toilets across the reserve.
A new and expanded pavilion would relieve safety concerns for female and junior members, and support future female participation opportunities for the club.
Mayor Stephanie Asher was thrilled to back the project with a pre-commitment for a co-contribution of $720,000 from the 2022-23 Budget.
“A pavilion at the Leopold Tennis Club is worthy of collaboration between the city and SRV so we hope to secure the remaining $800,000 that’s needed,” Cr Asher said.
“Ensuring club members are safe and facilities are accessible for all is vital to growing membership and encouraging physical activity.”
Cr Asher said if the application was successful, construction would start within six months of signing a funding agreement.
“The project is the last remaining infrastructure priority to be delivered from within the 2011 Leopold Memorial Reserve Master Plan,” she said.
“We have letters of support from the Leopold Tennis Club and Tennis Victoria, as well as the backing of the Leopold community, so we know this project would be able to deliver great benefits for residents and visitors alike.”
