Community input sought on future of Eastwood Leisure Complex

Community feedback is now being sought on draft concept plans for the redevelopment of the Eastwood Leisure Complex, with a major transformation planned to deliver high quality, accessible infrastructure for current and future users of the facility.    

Concept designs for a new facility have been created based on consultation with the managing committee of the Complex and key users and stakeholders.

Now, the City of Ballarat wants to hear from as many members of the public as possible to help shape detailed designs to be created during the 2023/24 financial year.

The current concept designs outline a plan to demolish and redevelop the existing Complex, into a new community hub to provide an opportunity for generational change in the heart of the Ballarat.

The existing structure of the basketball stadium at the rear of the complex would be retained but would also undergo upgrades.

It is proposed that the multi-purpose hub would be redeveloped to accommodate for up to 200 people at one time, including a medium sized conference and community event space, 10 meeting rooms, two multipurpose activity rooms and access to kitchen providing a home for community celebrations, cultural events and meetings.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson encouraged as many community members as possible to give feedback to identify priorities and ideas for the facility in the future.

“We know the building is outdated and we are really excited about what is in store for the future, but we want the community to be involved in the journey,” Cr Hudson said.

“We want as much input as possible to make this facility the best it can possibly be and make it a gem in the very heart of Ballarat.

“The more people engage with us, the more it helps us create a facility that most benefits the community.”

An online survey has been established on the City of Ballarat MySay page, with feedback sought from the wider community on the draft concepts to inform updates to concept plans and the development of detailed designs. The survey will remain open until 11.59pm on Sunday, 30 July.

As part of the public consultation, there will also be four drop-in sessions at the Complex, where community members can see the designs in detail and also have face-to-face discussions with City of Ballarat officers.

The sessions will be held at the following times:

• Tuesday 11 July, 9am–11am  
• Monday 17 July, 9.30am–11.30am  
• Monday 17 July, 4.30pm–6.30pm  
• Wednesday 26 July, 5pm–7pm

The Eastwood Leisure Complex Redevelopment project was identified as a high priority in the City of Ballarat’s Community Infrastructure Plan 2022 – 2037.  

It is currently used by about 100 different user groups and attracts more than 1000 weekly visitors.

The City of Ballarat is continuing to actively seek Victorian and Federal Government support to help deliver the project.