The latest development at Risdon Vale Oval will have positive effects on the wider community for years to come.

The $1.35 million project at the sports ground has seen the development of new changeroom facilities, a meeting room, kiosk space and public toilets.

The exciting addition to council’s sporting facilities has been designed and constructed to meet both the AFL Preferred Facilities Guidelines and Cricket Australia’s Community Cricket Facility guidelines.

There has also been the addition of a spectator viewing area, accessible vehicle parking, and pedestrian connectivity to Sugarloaf Road and surrounds.

The new facilities will make the oval a more comfortable facility for all users, and more desirable for sporting clubs to increase their use of the site.

Stage one of upgrades to the oval last year included improved drainage and the next stage, in 2021, will bring LED lighting to the ground which will open further possibilities for clubs.

Clarence City Council Mayor Alderman Doug Chipman opened the new facility and he said the upgrades were a boost to the Risdon Vale community.

“These sports grounds will benefit people of all ages in Risdon Vale and, through sports clubs, bring new people to the area,” Mayor Chipman said.

“It is well documented the benefits of sport from a grassroots level.

“The vision is for this new modern facility is to attract more people to get involved in sport for the first time.

“The close proximity of the oval to the local school will benefit all the students who will be able to play here too.”

The new building was designed by local architects, Philp Lighton Architects, and features a brightly coloured exterior.

Building firm, Macquarie Builders completed the job ahead of schedule.

The Risdon Vale Oval Community Sports Pavilion project is delivered with the assistance of a $200,000 grant from Sport Australia through the Community Sport Infrastructure Program and $80,000 through the Department of Communities Sport and Recreation Major Grant Program.