By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A sub-standard sports facility that is home to Casey’s largest soccer club is set to receive a long overdue $3.6 million revamp.
The State Government announced $1.8 million towards the upgrade of Jack Thomas Reserve in Fox Road, Narre Warren North.
That amount has been matched by Casey Council.
The project will create a new spacious pavilion, upgrade two pitches and expand the car park.
It will replace the current cramped changerooms, minimal toilets, flooded pitches and a lack of sealed parking areas.
It follows years of lobbying from tenant Berwick City Soccer Club.
President Nicky Woodward said the project would allow the club to recruit players off its waiting list, and grow beyond its 800-player cap.
Its facilities will be finally fit for women’s, girls’ and its all-abilities sides.
On occasions, training had been cancelled because players in wheelchairs and walking-frames were unable to access the sodden pitch.
“The real incentive of the club is to be able to include all walks of life.
“We can open it to absolutely everybody involved in our club.”
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan said the pavilion was in need of upgrading.
“We need to cater to the diverse community who are moving to Narre Warren North and ensure they have the right facilities to play sport and get outdoors.”
Casey councillor Rosalie Crestani said the new facilities would more comfortably cater for the hundreds of players and visitors on match days.
It would include much-awaited female friendly changerooms.
“It will bring them up to First World standard,” Cr Crestani said.
The investment was a nod to the growing soccer community in Casey, she said.
The council dramatically reversed its position after last year espousing that the reserve met the club’s “functional needs”.
The club has been told the project will go to tender by early 2019.
