Cricket Victoria Board give green light for Junction Oval development

Cricket Victoria Chairman Geoff Tamblyn said that the State Government’s investment represented the most significant and forward thinking commitment ever made to the game in Victoria.

“My board has long sought a home for cricket that caters to the needs of both the community and elite levels of the game,” Tamblyn said.

“The Junction Oval development will give us the capacity to compete with other major cricket states that have had dedicated homes for cricket for many years. Our cricket community has been crying out for this level of support and the game at every level will now have a platform for future growth.

“We lead Australia in cricket participation and this funding will help to meet current and future demand, underpinning the continued success of cricket in this state.”

The Andrews Government’s commitment includes $25 million to enable the development of the Victorian Cricket & Community Centre (VCCC) at the Junction Oval, St Kilda. The Andrews Government has also committed $10 million to establish a fund to respond to the needs of community cricket in towns, suburbs and regional cities across the state.

“The provision of a second first-class ground in Victoria also frees up the MCG for use by AFL football in the opening rounds of each season, delivering a great result for cricket and football fans and an economic boost to the AFL, MCC and the state,” Tamblyn continued.

The Board of Cricket Victoria had already previously determined to support a cricket-only solution for the Junction Oval over any alternative proposals.

Tamblyn said that the Andrews Government commitment was strong endorsement of this approach.

“The Cricket Victoria board has long maintained a position that the Junction Oval provides multiple solutions for cricket in this state. As well as satisfying the needs of cricket in Victoria, it ensures that the 159-year history of the St Kilda CC at the oval will continue long into the future.

“The new VCCC will serve the local St Kilda/Albert Park and wider community, with which we have been deeply engaged for many years. This development will positively impact cricket at all levels. It includes vastly improved facilities for women and dedicated capacity to support cricket for people of all backgrounds and all abilities.”

Tamblyn confirmed that Cricket Victoria management would meet with the Andrews Government as soon as possible and work with the new Minister for Sport and his department, Parks Victoria and all relevant stakeholders to facilitate project commencement.

The new Victorian Cricket & Community Centre has a targeted completion date of the beginning of the 2016-17 cricket season.