New-look Western Pavilion unveiled

The City of Melbourne celebrated the completion of its $2.6 million redevelopment of Western Pavilion at Royal Park in June.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp and councillors Jamal Hakim, Dr Olivia Ball and Davydd Griffiths joined local sporting groups on Saturday, June 18 to mark the opening of the upgraded facilities.

Cr Capp said the council was “delighted” that the works had been completed.

“This much-loved space has been transformed to accommodate more players and is ready at the perfect time for the winter sport season,” she said.

“Local sport was hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic but is experiencing a significant resurgence. It’s never been more important to get people outside and physically active, with local sport a meaningful way to improve your health and connect with the community.”

Located near Park St in Parkville, the upgraded Western Pavilion includes a new social room and kitchen, four new gender-neutral change facilities, two umpire rooms, ambulant toilet cubicles, accessible unisex toilet, accessible showers, and baby change facilities.

Work is also well under way on the council’s $6.2 million redevelopment of Brens Pavilion in Royal Park, located between Melbourne Zoo and Royal Parade. The council says the project is scheduled for completion early next year.

The Lord Mayor said the Brens Pavilion project would help meet “growing demand in community sport and, in particular, the number of women taking to sporting fields and facilities across the municipality.”

“The new Brens Pavilion will feature eight gender neutral and universally accessible change rooms, as well as dedicated umpire changing facilities and significant improvements to the kitchen and social spaces,” Cr Capp said.

The council is also currently in the design phase of a joint redevelopment with the Victorian Government of Ryder Pavilion, located near the corner of Park St and The Avenue, which is expected to begin next year. •

Photography by Murray Enders