Carrum’s Roy Dore Reserve is set to undergo a major redevelopment to help accommodate an increasing number of users.

With 1500 members from more than 10 groups vying for space, the reserve is struggling to meet the high demand, especially from female teams and the wider community. Andrew Adams, a spokesman for the clubs that use the reserve, highlighted the problem last in September and believes the redevelopment will set a benchmark for clubs with its disability access and extended facilities for women’s sport. 

With a broader vision than just recreational use alone, Andrew says the site will provide clubs and potentially the wider community with a “beautiful function room and meeting space.”

In order to oversee the transformation, the Pavilion Working Group has been formed from eight user groups, including the Carrum Patterson Lakes Sports Club, multiple football clubs, Carrum Cricket Club, Melbourne Thunder Touch Rugby Club, Radio Carrum and Long Beach Tennis Club.

Kingston City Council’s city assets and environmental general manager, Daniel Freer, says the council is “working closely with reserve user groups to ensure the new pavilion and park upgrades meet community needs.” Long Beach Tennis Club has the support of the committee and the council will be assessing its position independently of the redevelopment.

Andrew says the committee is hoping to get the “shovel in the dirt” for this exciting project within four years, if not sooner, and with the initial concept completed, costs are expected to be considered by councillors shortly.

Mr Freer has confirmed the detailed designs and construction costs are not yet finalised for the redevelopment. “Council is hoping to secure funding support for the project from the Victorian Government to deliver the project for the Carrum community.”

 

Cameron Howe

Founder, Carrum and Patterson Lakes Forum

https://camhowe.com/