A Project Development Group comprising of representatives from Ararat Eagles Football-Netball Club, Ararat Football-Netball Club, Grampians Cricket Association, East Grampians Health Service and Ararat Rural City Council Officers was established in June to guide the project.

Last month Land Design Partnership was awarded the tender to develop plans, which includes linking existing paths from Alexandra Gardens to the Alexandra Oval Community Centre, along with internal and external Olver Grandstand upgrades and relocation of the netball courts.

Ararat Rural City mayor Glenda McLean said engagement and wider consultation from all user groups will form the next stage of process.

“All representatives on the Project Development Group have been working very hard on the scope of the project, and what they have come up with so far looks fantastic,” she said.

“We have already seen in recent years what upgrading Alexandra Gardens and Alexandra Oval has done for the community, groups such as parkrun have capitalised on these upgrades and we want to further increase the use of this wonderful space.”

Ararat Rural City is finalising a paper and online survey where community members will be able to have their say on the scope of the redevelopment.

Further information will be announced in coming weeks.