Cricket Net Renewal Program – Multiple Sites

  • Project typeOpen Spaces and Reserves
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The Cricket Net Renewal Program was formed in 2019 to deliver new training facilities for the community. Funding for the program is comprised of Council budget commitments and government grants. The program operates on a rolling budget with the aim of delivering as much as possible with the available funds within a financial year. Grant funding is regularly sought from external entities to assist with expediting delivery of the program.

 

The below lists the site’s identified for renewal:

  • Rosebud Cricket Nets – Olympic Park (completed 2021)
  • Main Ridge Cricket Nets – AR&F Ditterich Reserve (completed 2022)
  • Dromana Cricket Nets – Dromana Recreation Reserve (completed 2023)
  • Sorrento Cricket Nets – David MacFarlane Reserve (completed 2024) 
  • Rye Cricket Nets – RJ Rowley Reserve
  • Mount Eliza Cricket Nets – Emil Madsen Reserve (completed 2025)
  • Somerville Cricket Nets - Somerville Recreation Reserve (completed 2024)

 

Status Updates

Sorrento Cricket Nets

Sorrento’s cricket nets at David MacFarlan Reserve were identified for renewal. Funding for the redevelopment of the cricket nets was through Council budget.  The project was tendered in late 2023 with the construction contract awarded in early 2024 to an experienced contractor who specialises in cricket net redevelopments. The construction phase commenced in mid-June 2024 and the new nets were completed and opened for use in mid-October 2024.

Rye Cricket Nets

Rye’s cricket nets at RJ Rowley Reserve have been identified for renewal as they are not compliant with current cricket net standards. The project team completed a comprehensive analysis of potential locations for the new nets within RJ Rowley Reserve. A final location was selected, and design work progressed. Multiple design iterations were completed, and feedback sought after each round which included comments from the clubs. The detail design has now been finalised and is tender ready. The project team is now awaiting funding to progress this project to the construction phase. It is likely that in the future, the construction phase will be funded through a combination of Council budget and a government grant.

Mount Eliza Cricket Nets

The existing cricket nets at Emil Madsen Reserve have been marked for an upgrade and relocation as part of the Reserve’s master plan. The project will be delivered as part of the $15m grant from the Federal Government. The detailed design was finalised in April 2024.  The design will consist of a ground up rebuild of the current deteriorated facilities.  It will feature a brand-new five lane enclosure with retractable netting and synthetic grass surface. Construction commenced in September 2024 and the cricket nets are now complete and in use. 

Somerville Cricket Nets

The cricket practice nets at Somerville Recreation Reserve were in a deteriorated condition and no longer fit for purpose. Funding for the redevelopment of the cricket nets was obtained through a $250,000 Sport and Recreation Victoria grant. The design plans were approved in April 2024 with construction work commencing shortly after. Despite some early setbacks with poor subgrade conditions, the project progressed and was delivered in time for the clubs transition to outdoor training.

 

Update: January 2025

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