Federal Government to provide funds for Waverley Gymnastics Centre

Published on 16 December 2016

Monash Council welcomes last night’s announcement by Chisholm Federal MP Julia Banks that the Federal Government will honour its election promise to provide $2.1 million towards an expansion of the Waverley Gymnastics Centre.

Mayor Rebecca Paterson said the announcement meant Council could now proceed with designs for a $18-20 million redevelopment of the Oakleigh Recreation Centre, which will include a purpose-built Waverley Gymnastics Centre.

“It has been an anxious time for the Waverley Gymnastics Club and for Council over the past few weeks, as we sought a commitment from the Member for Chisholm Julia Banks and the Federal Government that they would honour their promise,” Cr Paterson said.

“We are delighted that all three levels of government – Federal, State and Local – will be working together to deliver a fantastic recreational facility for our community,” Cr Paterson said.

The State Government is contributing $3 million towards the Oakleigh Recreation Centre upgrade, while the Waverley Gymnastics Centre is contributing $1 million.

The project will see an increase of more than 50% in the floor space for the Waverley Gymnastics Centre, making it the largest premier gymnastics facility in Victoria. The 40 year old basketball courts at the Oakleigh Recreation Centre will also be improved, with a fifth court added. Sports including netball and basketball will be accommodated in the new facility.

“We anticipate savings of about $2.5 million for Council and the Monash community by combining the upgrade of the courts and the new facilities for Waverley Gymnastics Centre into the one project rather than pursuing two separate projects,” Cr Paterson said.

Council resolved at its meeting on 13 December to maintain the current Waverley Gymnastics Centre site in Dorrington Drive (Mount Waverley) for community use and that any future use of the site must be less intrusive than the current use so that residential amenity of surrounding residents can be improved. Council will consult with residents regarding future community-use options for the site.

“The new project also provides relief for the Dorrington Drive residents who have faced increasing traffic and parking concerns around their homes,” Cr Paterson said.

“We can now move ahead with finalising the designs for the development and hope to start construction next year with the new facility to open late in 2018.

“Council is pleased to have worked alongside the Waverley Gymnastics Centre team for a number of years and congratulates them on their hard work in bringing this outstanding project to fruition.”

Media Contact: Jo Robertson 0418 391 979 or email Joanne.Robertson@monash.vic.gov.au