CONSTRUCTION on the long-awaited expansion of the Frankston Basketball Stadium will begin next month.

Frankston Council has awarded a contract to Williamstown-based Devco Project & Construction Management to build stage one of the $12.45 million project.Devco built the State Basketball Centre in Wantirna South in 2012.

Frankston mayor Cr Brian Cunial said the stadium expansion – to include new courts, more seating, a new entry and reception area, new change rooms and upgraded car park – will support the continued growth of basketball in the region.

Frankston and District Basketball Association secretary Rob Little said the association will continue working with council to source funding for further improvements to the stadium which caters for 14,000 participants each year.

Mr Little said retractable seating a mezzanine level for association members and the establishment of a regional high-performance centre in future stages would attract international teams and major events to Frankston.

“In 2017, Frankston Basketball will be hosting the University of Texas men’s basketball team, but we are currently limited with the resources we are able to offer these international-level athletes,” he said.

“Further resourcing our high-performance capabilities will only attract more teams of this nature which provides economic benefits for our region.”

A temporary stadium entrance will be open on the north side of the basketball centre during expansion construction works expected to be completed within 18 months.

The stadium expansion is mostly being funded by taxpayers and ratepayers.

The federal government contributed $4.95 million, the state government $2.5 million, Frankston Council $4 million and the Frankston and District Basketball Association $1 million.

The Coalition federal government and Labor state government were embroiled in months of arguments over levels of funding for the Frankston Basketball Stadium over several months in 2015 and last year.

 

Source:baysidenews.com.au

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