Surf Coast Shire Council may redevelop the playing surface at Spring Creek Reserve

A successful GCA club could be forced to play its home games elsewhere following a new plan for the ground which would improve female accessibility.

Torquay recruit Tristan Kassis after compiling a century against Geelong City. Picture: Torquay Cricket Club.

Torquay Cricket Club may play its home games away from Spring Creek Reserve next season under a proposed redevelopment.

Surf Coast Shire Council general manager placemaking and environment Chris Pike said in a statement the municipality was in the early stages of planning for a redevelopment of the playing surface, including the centre square.

“The proposed redevelopment of the ground would provide improved drainage to facilitate better grass growth and an all new centre square, benefiting both the cricket and football clubs in the medium and long-term,” Pike said.

However, the project is dependent on funding in the council’s 2025-26 budget, which is expected to be released for community feedback late next month and finalised at the end of June.

Torquay players celebrate a wicket against Leopold. Picture: Mark Wilson

“In the meantime, we’ve flagged with the cricket club the possibility that the ground may be unavailable for their use next season,” he said.

“Our initial discussions have been constructive and if budget funding is confirmed, we’ll work closely with the club and the Geelong Cricket Association to plan what next season looks like for Torquay’s turf teams.

“If possible, we would look to coincide the female friendly upgrade of the Spring Creek Recreation Reserve changerooms with the ground redevelopment, so that the impact of both projects on the tenant clubs is minimised.”

The club’s first grade team had its finals hopes washed away on Sunday against Bell Park while its thirds beat Geelong West in week one by nine wickets.

Club president Tim Humphries told this masthead the Tigers had been in discussions with Surf Coast Shire Council but nothing had been locked into its 2025-26 budget.

“We are supportive of the project because it will benefit us long term,” Humphries said.

“It would be exciting to get a completely redeveloped oval and brand new centre square.

“We are confident we’d be able to work through the implications for next season if the redevelopment does go ahead.”

Originally published as Surf Coast Shire Council may redevelop the playing surface at Spring Creek Reserve