Horsham City Oval’s netball courts were officially opened last week, and are now ready for use.

But works on the netball pavilion upgrades will not start until later this year, meaning relocatable site toilets will need to be brought in for Horsham Demons’ home games.

The pavilion will include new player and umpire change rooms, accessible amenities, a social space and kiosk, medical room, administration area, spectator amenities, storage and a canopy for external shelter.

The two new courts feature 200 lux LED lighting, bringing the facilities in line with Netball Victoria competition standards.

Horsham Football Netball Club, HFNC, will use the new courts for the first time for a match when it hosts Horsham Saints in round two action of the Wimmera league on Anzac Day.

Recently-upgraded toilets on the O’Callaghans Parade side of City Oval will also be made available, while netballers will use temporary change rooms in the former ambulance station building.

Horsham Rural City Council chief executive Sunil Bhalla said council was still in the procurement phase for the new pavilion, but the $3 million project was ‘very much on track’.

“Market response to the project tender has been over budget on two occasions,” he said. 

“The council has determined that an innovative response is required to deliver the functional design required for the facility while containing costs within the budget.

“The minor delay in the procurement phase is a fiscally prudent action to ensure that costs are contained within the available budget. 

“Our funding partner, Sport and Recreation Victoria, is well aware of the situation and is supporting the council in finding a responsible resolution.”

A new tender to design and construct the netball pavilion was expected to be released early this week.

Mr Bhalla said the council met monthly with HFNC and other City Oval stakeholders to ensure disruption was minimised during the construction period.

Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora and Horsham mayor Robyn Gulline had the honours of officially opening the courts, which were funded through the State Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.

The government contributed $800,000 to the project, while Horsham Rural City Council is contributing more than $2.4 million.

Ms Emercora said better sport and recreation facilities encouraged Victorians to get active and lead healthy lifestyles.

“The people of Horsham love their sport. Projects like this help level the playing field, providing equal access to equal facilities for all,” she said. “The new netball facilities open up more opportunities for participation at this popular park and provide the perfect foundation for local clubs to expand their programs and rosters.”

Also at City Oval, work has started on an outdoor events stage, which is expected to be completed in the second half of this year.

The raised outdoor stage will feature a large screen to stream live events and the stage will also have rear access for semi-trailer trucks to load and unload through sliding gates on Hocking Street.

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