AN application for a planning permit to rebuild the fire-ravaged Somerville Recreation and Community Centre is being advertised in the lead up to works starting next year.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire planning application is for a four-court indoor multi-sport facility to replace the two-court building destroyed by fire in May last year.
The rebuild will include refurbishing the damaged community area, amenities for players and officials and better public areas in the recreation centre.
The shire in August committed up to $3 million next year for the rebuild – subject to it receiving a $1.5 million grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria. The result is expected to be known next month.
The mayor Cr Bev Colomb said development of the four-court option was subject to “securing additional funding”.
“With adequate insurance in place to rebuild the facility on a like-for-like basis, the focus has been on securing additional funding to ensure the stadium and community facilities are updated to modern standards and expanded where possible,” she said.
“We’re pressing on with planning for the four-court proposal subject to funding and will keep the community informed as the project progresses.”
Cr Julie Edge said user group input into design and development plans “has been invaluable”.
Submissions on the planning permit application can be received up until the council determines the application.
First published in the Western Port News – 17 October 2017
