The decision, made during confidential business at the council meeting on Wednesday, August 6, reflects a commitment to delivering a facility that meets the needs of the growing Benalla Rural City community.
Previously the council had given its in-principle support for the redevelopment to occur at the former Benalla P-12 College Barkly St Campus.
Following this decision, in April 2024, site investigations and negotiations with the Victorian Government identified numerous issues with the Barkly St site.
“Unfortunately, resolving all of these issues would take significant time and money, creating a major risk to the project being completed on time and within budget,” Mayor Bernie Hearn said.
“The decision to move forward with Churchill Recreation Reserve as the preferred site, was a difficult but necessary move.
“With time restraints on the grant funding and the difficulty involved in the land acquisition and transfers, we believe Churchill Reserve offers reduced risks to project delivery compared to other proposed locations,” Cr Hearn said.
Council identified key factors influencing the decision included the Churchill site’s alignment with existing sporting facilities, its capacity for future growth and its ability to meet project timelines without the complexities of land acquisition or significant environmental constraints.
The council’s decision was also informed by detailed site investigations.
“Soil testing and geotechnical assessments showed that the Churchill site is safe and ready for development, with no significant environmental or structural concerns,” Cr Hearn said.
“Additionally, the site’s location within a growth area ensures it will serve as a convenient and accessible facility for the community into the future.”
Community engagement remains important for the project’s success, with council continuing to meet with stakeholders, including the project steering committee.
Further consultation is planned as project investigations progress.
The Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre redevelopment is supported by a $15 million funding commitment from the Victorian Government, announced in May 2023.
The redevelopment will cater to a variety of indoor sports and will integrate with the existing sports precinct at Churchill Reserve.
The project is expected to progress through detailed design and construction phases in the coming months, with a focus on sustainability, accessibility and community-focused outcomes.
For more information and to stay updated on the project, visit benalla.vic.gov.au and search “Have Your Say BIRC”.
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