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Merricks: Merricks Station Grounds Rejuvenation

Project typeOpen Spaces and Reserves
Project value$1.96 Million

aerial image Merricks Station Reserve.jpg

Mornington Peninsula Shire has successfully secured $982,050 in funding from the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) to implement the Merricks Station Ground rejuvenation. BBRF funding has been matched by Council dollar for dollar, giving a total project budget of $1,964,100.

The delivery of the Merricks Station Ground rejuvenation consists of three sub-projects. They are:

Arena Roof – construction of a roof over existing equestrian arena to provide an all-weather surface.
Community Space Upgrade – An enjoyable space for the community (picnic shelter and seating).
Amenities Block upgrade – Extensive renovation of current toilet block.

Arena Roof - On Hold

Merricks Station Grounds user groups expressed a strong desire for a covered arena to be included into the scope of works for this project. Mornington Peninsula Shire officers successfully requested a variation to the BBRF grant for the addition of the arena roof.

A thorough design process has been undertaken with many internal and external stakeholders participating in discussions over the course of several years. The roof’s footprint is significant, spanning 40 meters in width and 88 meters in length. The skeleton of the structure is steel. The concrete footings are significant but required due to the enormous wind loading which governs the design.

The scope of works for the roof also included the following major items:

Upgrades to the access road for the CFA.
CFA tanks including pumps.
Roof plumbing.
Upgraded storm water drainage.
Retaining walls.
Electrical services.

Due to the difficulty in finding a suitable contractor who would build the arena roof as well as rising material costs, this section of the project has been put on hold. The roof has been removed from the current scope of works. The arena roof project is still supported by Council however the construction of the asset must be fully funded by external parties. The user groups are responsible for seeking funding with support being provided from officers.

Community Space Upgrade - Design Phase

The construction of a community space at Merricks Station Reserve is a critical element part of the BBRF funding requirements.

The community space upgrade is currently in the concept design stage. We are working with the architect to create an area which can be enjoyed by the community. A concept design has been provided to council with a preliminary review undertaken which involved community consultation.

Design work on the upgrades to the Reserve has recommenced and we expect to complete the concept design by the end of the financial year.

The installation of the outdoor community gathering space includes the following items:

Picnic shelter.
Accessible picnic tables.
Seats.
Bins.
Stretching/Fitness station.
Landscaping.
Granitic sand pavement.
Bike racks.

Amenities Block - Completed

The upgrade to the amenities block at Merricks Station Reserve has also been through an extensive design process. The toilet block will be modernised with new fittings and fixtures.

The project was tendered in mid-2022 and the work subsequently awarded to an experienced local contractor. Portable toilets will be available for community use for the duration of construction.

Construction commenced in early October and was completed in February 2023.

UPDATE: May 2023