AUSTRALIAN Football League exhibition matches could become a regular attraction in Bunbury as a master plan to transform Hands Oval takes shape.
The plan has taken a $2.7 million leap forward after the City of Bunbury received a $1.34 million government grant and matched the funds with an equal contribution.
The Hands Memorial Oval Master Plan was created in June last year with the goal of developing the oval into a facility that was suitable for hosting state level sporting events.
The new funding will deliver new AFL standard turf, boundary fences, lighting towers, new seating and a viewing platform.
Hands Oval has hosted national football and cricket matches as well as the South West Football League grand final and the annual Cancer Council Relay for Life event.
It is the home ground of the South Bunbury Football Club and has long needed an overhaul.
City engineering manager Jason Gick said the upgrades would be a welcome change.
“This will elevate the facility to a higher standard and hopefully allow us to attract more AFL exhibition matches in the future, similar to those held in 2010 and 2011,” Mr Gick said.
The City’s 10 year concept plan for the oval has been estimated to cost almost $8 million and would include the replacement of JE Hands Pavilion with new change rooms and spectator shelter, improved parking and entrance artwork.
A further “ultimate vision” was drafted in line with the growth of the South West which would include the construction of spectator grandstands and shelter as well as the replacement of the South Bunbury Football Club Pavilion.
The City hopes to start works on the initial upgrades at the end of this year’s football season in October.
The works should be finished in time for the new season in April next year.
