Sports hub proposed for former Albion tip site

A former landfill in Albion could be developed into a regional multi- sports facility hosting “premier league” standard sporting competitions including soccer.

The tip, which closed in 1990, could also potentially cater for rugby league, badminton, volleyball, futsal, tennis, basketball and netball with up to six courts.

Brimbank council’s Sports Facility Development Plan highlighted a need for better facilities with stage one of a multi-sports facility at the former Sunshine Energy Park in council’s plans for 2018 to 2021.

The council will complete a master plan and develop a business case “providing for a range of sporting activities”, the plan revealed.

“This venue could be used for competition by the clubs in Brimbank that participate in the premier league competition,” it found.

“(It would) remove the pressure to develop higher standard facilities, such as grandstands and media boxes at the local reserves that are currently used for premier league competition.”

Sydenham Park and Bon Thomas Reserve had been suggested as potential sites in the past but have poor access to public transport.

“A regional multi-sports facility would be best situated in the south of the municipality,” it found.

“Sunshine Energy Park is the only site in the south of the municipality that has the attributes to accommodate a regional multi-sports facility.

“Future plans should be made for additional netball facilities in Brimbank to cater for existing and future demand, this may include any future development at Energy Park, Sunshine.“The preferred facility model for netball is 4-6 courts at one location.

“A regional multi-sports facility would give the sports clubs and groups currently using single field sites the opportunity to further develop by moving to a larger, regional venue with a range of sporting facilities.

“This would free up the single fields for groups that currently do not have access to sports facilities.”

A multi-sports hub was first flagged back in 2012.

Contamination issues may mean “there is a delay in developing the site”, however.