Planning for the future of the Princes Park Grandstand

Published on 01 May 2025

Council’s efforts to advocate for the funding needed to preserve and bring the Princes Park Grandstand up to contemporary standards are continuing.

At a Special Council Meeting last night (30/04) the draft Princes Park Grandstand changeroom concept designs were endorsed for community to review and provide feedback.

For Council to seek funding from the Federal and State governments to restore the Grandstand, draft concept designs are required.

Since August 2024, Council has been engaging with the wider community and Grandstand user groups to help inform the draft designs.

There is now an opportunity for the wider community to view the draft designs and provide input from now until 5pm, Thursday 22 May 2025 by visiting www.engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/grandstand

The concept designs include designs for the original grandstand building (both upstairs and downstairs) and the downstairs area of the clubroom facility which was constructed in 1979.

Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Grace La Vella said the Princes Park precinct is a much-loved destination and has been used by individuals and groups over many generations.

“The Grandstand really is the jewel in the crown of this precinct. It is an iconic landmark in Maryborough and the backdrop to community sport and the award-winning Energy Breakthrough event.

“Now is the time to develop the concept designs we need so that we can advocate to Federal and State government for the funding needed to preserve the Grandstand so that it can be used and enjoyed for generations to come.

“We thank the community and the user groups for their input so far and look forward to wider community feedback so that we can finalise concept designs that will meet the needs of our community.”

The project scope includes:

A new design layout within the existing space to increase functionality and use of the space
Retrofitting of change rooms to be female friendly (players and umpires)
Renewal of structural elements and important heritage features.
Redesign of layout to allow for more co-sharing of facilities
Refurbishment of changing rooms and toilets
Access upgrades to the Grandstand to allow universal access to the Grandstand seating area
Increasing disability access throughout the facility as per the Disability Discrimination Act
Upgrade the canteen to make it compliant with health and safety requirements.

In 2021, a Conservation Management Plan for the project was completed which identified a range of urgent conservation and maintenance works were required. It provides guidance for the conservation and heritage management so that the Grandstand can be preserved for years to come.