By Molly Magennis
Construction of a $5.9 million multipurpose community pavilion at Henry Turner South Reserve is currently underway.
The new pavilion will be able to support the needs of the many local community and sporting clubs that call the Reserve home, such as the Footscray Rugby Union Club in winter, and the Western Crusaders Gridiron Club and the Footscray Edgewater Cricket Club in summer.
Construction is due to be completed by early 2023, with the new modern facility set to be equipped with unisex facilities, with access for people of all abilities.
The pavilion will feature a new, large multipurpose social space, a meeting room, commercial kitchen and four large change rooms with gender neutral amenities.
Committee representative of the Footscray Rugby Union Club Thomas Gulliver, said the redevelopment of the pavilion will bring the clubs that use it up to the standard of other local clubs in the area.
“We’re really looking forward to the long awaited redevelopment of the pavilion, it’s sure to bring
our club – and the other clubs that call the Reserve home – up to a standard that matches the local competitions we compete in,” he said.
“The new facilities and amenities will help support our strong senior competition, and enhance and encourage the growth and development of our junior competition, which is growing substantially each year.”
The Footscray Rugby Union Club happens to be the oldest sporting club at the Reserve, and the pavilion’s completion will fall on the club’s 95th anniversary in the precinct in 2023.
Maribyrnong Mayor Anthony Tran said the new pavilion is a key part enhancing the sporting community in the area.
“I look forward to watching the new pavilion come to life over the next twelve months, and I am sure the local clubs and visitors to the area will appreciate and enjoy the new facilities in the years to come.”
