City of Melton reveal timeline for reopening at Cobblebank Stadium after excess moisture damage

Three courts at a popular Melton stadium have been out of action for months, with mystery surrounding the reason why.

Basketball courts at a Melton stadium will remain closed until at least June, with the official cause of the damaged playing surface still unknown.

Three of the six courts at Melton’s flagship Cobblebank Stadium have been closed since mid-March, after testing results showed that excess moisture was present in the floorboards, causing the surface to bow and become unsafe for players.

While the cause of the damage remains unknown, this publication revealed at the time that sources connected to the facility claim cleaning products used by a contractor may have contributed.

Three courts at Cobblebank Stadium have been closed since March with sources claiming cleaning products contributed to the damage. Picture: Melton City Council

Contractors have since been tasked to use dehumidifiers to help dry the floor, with early results showing the process was working.

Seven weeks on, City of Melton acting manager of recreation and leisure Aaron Biscan said the courts were expected to reopen in June and that investigations were still taking place.

“Three courts at Cobblebank Stadium remain closed with reinstatement works ongoing,” Mr Biscan said.

“They (the courts) are expected to reopen in June 2023,” he said.

“We are continuing to work with all impacted sporting clubs, associations and other user groups to accommodate them on the other three courts in operation at the stadium.”

City of Melton’s $31m Cobblebank Stadium opened in late 2021 and hosts competitive basketball games as well as other sports and recreational activities. Picture: Melton City Council

Since the incident, most activities were either shared on the remaining three courts or relocated to Melton Indoor Recreation Centre and Caroline Springs Leisure Centre.

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