$8 million needed to preserve historic Princes Park Grandstand
Published on 25 March 2026
Central Goldfields Shire Council is advocating to the Victorian Government for funding to upgrade the heritage-listed Princes Park Grandstand.
Council is seeking $8 million in funding to preserve the Grandstand and modernise the downstairs area, ensuring it provides functional, accessible, and fit-for-purpose facilities.
Mayor Ben Green says the historic Princes Park Grandstand is a treasured community asset in urgent need of conservation and upgrade works to ensure it remains functional and accessible for future generations.
“The ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Princes Park precinct, this project is ready for investment to progress to detailed design and construction.”
“The precinct has been used by individuals and groups over many generations and remains an iconic landmark.
“It provides the backdrop to community sport and major events such as the Highland Games and the award-winning Energy Breakthrough.
“However, the current downstairs changerooms and canteen area are outdated, the layout is not functional, and the facilities are not female-friendly or accessible. The Grandstand itself is also in urgent need of preservation.
“We’ve worked closely with user groups to develop plans that meet the needs of the community, and we’re ready to deliver — we just need additional funding to make it happen.
“We already have $550,000 in State Government funding committed to the female-friendly changerooms component of the project.”
Deputy Mayor Cr Anna de Villiers highlighted the historical significance of the grandstand, noting its rarity and heritage value.
“Built in 1895, the Princes Park Grandstand is believed to be the first brick grandstand constructed in country Victoria.
“It was modelled on the grandstand at Lakes Oval in South Melbourne and built by W.J. Dingle at a cost of 1,300 pounds.
“It remains a rare surviving example of a 19th-century grandstand with a high degree of structural and visual integrity with the adjoining clubrooms added in 1977.
“A Conservation Management Plan completed in 2021 identified a range of urgent works required to preserve the structure.
“The plan provides a clear roadmap for conservation and heritage management, ensuring the grandstand can be protected and enjoyed for years to come.”
Maryborough Cricket Club President Troy Bursill:
“We strongly support the Central Goldfields Shire’s advocacy for funding to preserve and upgrade the historic Princes Park Grandstand.
“This grandstand is far more than a building — it’s a central part of our community’s history and identity. For generations, it has been the backdrop to local sport, community events, and countless shared memories. At the same time, the need to modernise the facilities, particularly to ensure they are accessible and female-friendly, is long overdue.
“Our club, along with many other user groups, relies on this precinct, and we see firsthand both its value and its current limitations. This project represents an important investment in both preserving our heritage and supporting the future of community sport in Maryborough.
“We fully support the call for funding and hope to see this shovel-ready project delivered for the benefit of current and future generations.”
Maryborough Football Netball Club President Glen Bardsley:
“We fully back Central Goldfields Shire’s efforts to secure funding for the preservation and upgrade of the heritage-listed Princes Park Grandstand.
“Princes Park has long been the heart of our community and has proudly been home to the Maryborough Football Netball Club for 153 years.
“Over this time, it has played a central role not only for the MFNC but for all local sport.
“It is one of the most visually impressive facilities of its kind, and its historical significance makes it a valuable asset not just for Maryborough, but for the region.
“However, the facility is now in urgent need of investment to ensure it can be preserved and maintained for all user groups and future generations.”
Country Education Partnership CEO Mark McLay (Energy Breakthrough):
“For more than 30 years, Energy Breakthrough has been about building more than just vehicles — it’s about building skills, confidence and community.
“Each November, Princes Park becomes the heart of this iconic event, welcoming more than 15,000 visitors and over 3,500 participants and their families from across Australia, while injecting $3.6 million into the local economy.
“The historic Princes Park Grandstand is not just a backdrop — it is central to the Energy Breakthrough experience. We strongly support Central Goldfields Shire Council’s advocacy for funding to restore this important facility. Investing in the grandstand is an investment in the safety, enjoyment and future of one of regional Victoria’s most significant events.”
Highland Games Malcolm Blandthorn:
“Now in its 164th year, the Maryborough Highland Gathering is a cornerstone cultural event for the region, with Princes Park and its historic Grandstand central to its success.
“In 2024, the Highland Society proudly brought the Australian Pipe Band Championships to Maryborough, delivering a significant economic boost to local businesses and showcasing the town on a national stage.
“Preserving and upgrading the Grandstand is essential to protecting this legacy and ensuring Maryborough can continue to attract major events into the future.”
MCDFNL Operations Manager Ben Connell:
“Princes Park Grandstand is not only a historic landmark, but a central part of our finals experience at the MCDFNL.
“Each year it plays host to some of the biggest moments in our season, bringing communities together and showcasing local football and netball at its best.
“Investing in its preservation and upgrading the facilities—particularly to ensure they are modern, accessible and female-friendly—is critical to the continued growth of our competitions and the experience we provide to players, officials and supporters.
“We strongly support this project and recognise its importance in securing the future of both the venue and community sport across the region.”
The Central Goldfields Shire Council Advocacy Plan is available to view at www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/advocacy