Location

Lagoon Reserve is on Graham Street, Port Melbourne

Cost

$14.5m

Milestones

Why are we doing this?

Council is proposing to redevelop the pavilion at Lagoon Reserve to ensure the building is compliant and fit for purpose with multiple community groups able to use and benefit. Reconstruction of the sports field (with sports lighting) to support sport activity and passive recreation of the community. 

The impact

The sports field, pavilion, and supporting infrastructure are in poor condition and do not meet current standards. They require replacement or upgrade to ensure visitor accessibility, safety, and support, resulting in various public space benefits. The redevelopment of the Lagoon Reserve pavilion is necessary to make the building compliant and suitable for its intended purpose. The current pavilion has been assessed and found to be in an unsatisfactory condition, failing to meet relevant sports codes and the Building Code of Australia for both present and future requirements. The redevelopment of the pavilion presents an opportunity to consider the placement and orientation of a new pavilion.

Due to the pavilion's non-compliance with mandatory standards and its rapid deterioration, it will be demolished in the coming months. This demolition has been scheduled earlier than anticipated due to safety concerns. Temporary public toilets have been placed on site and will remain in place until the new pavilion is built.

As a result of the demolition requirements, the construction commencement dates in 2023 and the opening date to the public in 2024 may be affected. Any changes to the project, including amendments and updated timelines, will be communicated and updated on this page throughout the delivery phase.

Objectives

The renewal and upgrade of the Lagoon Reserve Pavilion will provide a suitably designed facility that will provide for existing club growth and attract other clubs to utilise Lagoon Reserve, taking pressure off the nearby sports facilities, particularly during peak periods and construction works at other reserves. 

Latest News

At a Council Meeting on 7 September, Council endorsed progressing the detailed design for a two-storey pavilion and viewing balcony for the Lagoon Reserve Pavilion.  Council also approved additional funding of $8.35m in 2023/24 financial year budget for the Lagoon Reserve Pavilion and Sports Field Upgrade construction.

Community and stakeholder engagement

We are committed to offering genuine opportunities for community and stakeholder feedback.

Community consultation is now live on Council's Have Your Say page. We would love to hear what you think of our draft concept design.

About the Reserve

Lagoon Reserve in Port Melbourne is located on land reclaimed from a former lagoon which is heavily used for a variety of activities including: dog walking, competitive sport (soccer and cricket), physical education classes (Albert Park Secondary College (APSC)) and other passive recreation activities.

Facilities currently within the Reserve include:

  • A small sports pavilion (built in 1950s), comprising a small kitchen, two change rooms with showers & toilets and public toilets;
  • A sports field that is suitably sized for junior and lower grade senior cricket and soccer competition and training; The only lighting to the reserve is a single spotlight mounted on the Pavilion roof. There is a history of considerable community concern about the impact of lighting at the reserve on neighbouring properties.
  • Three cricket practice nets, barbeque, picnic facilities, seating and a pedestrian path;
  • Extensive garden beds which contain native flora and fauna of the local area. These have been developed and maintained in partnership with local community groups over many years.

There are three clubs using the Reserve regularly, with a combined membership of nearly 300 people:

  1. Port Phillip Spiders Soccer Club - 45 members
  2. South Melbourne District Cricket Club - 168 members
  3. Emerald Hill Cricket Club - 50 members

Get in contact

If you have any questions, please contact the Open Space project team:
Online: Online Services
Phone: 03 9209 6777