City of Greater Geelong buys Bell Park Sports Club land, assets
The City of Greater Geelong has agreed to purchase the land and assets of a local club to help grassroots sport thrive.
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The City of Greater Geelong has agreed to purchase the land and assets of the Bell Park
Sports Club to help grassroots sport thrive.
Council has given the green light for the City to assume ownership of the land and buildings at 10 Lynnburn Road, Batesford under the terms of a $2.55m agreement with the club.
This includes a contribution from the state government of $821,500 and about $1.73m from the City.
Brownbill Ward Councillor Eddy Kontelj said the land was purchased at market value and was a sound investment in community sport and recreation.
“Bell Park Sports Club has a proud history and has been providing soccer facilities for the local community for more than 60 years and continues to cater to hundreds of junior and senior players,” Cr Kontelj said.
“At market cost, this agreement is financially sound and will ensure we have sporting
facilities to meet the future needs of our growing population.”
As part of the agreement, funding from the City and the Victorian Government will be used to deliver a $1.4m upgrade to facilities at the club, including female friendly change rooms.
The City will also complete a lighting upgrade for pitch one up to the value of $635,000, with funding from the Victorian Government.
A community infrastructure grant of $348,000 provided by the City to the club in 2020 will be redirected to the land transfer.
Club president Rose Pirrottina said the agreement secured its future.
“The Bell Park Sports Club welcomes this arrangement with council that will see our much-loved home become an asset of the community,” Ms Pirrottina said.
“This outcome has been a long time in the making and will ensure we can grow sporting
opportunities for all participants.”
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