Mernda is a step closer to having a regional sports precinct after the City of Whittlesea awarded a construction contract to create a new intersection.
The contract is to extend Everton Drive in Mernda about 100 metres east to connect with Plenty Road, creating a new intersection that will not only help to reduce congestion around Mernda, but provide access to the sports precinct via Everton Drive.
The road project is the first stage of the precinct, expected to begin in early February.
Work on the sports courts is expected to start in the 2024-25 financial year.
In July, council appointed COX Architecture to design and construct the second stage of the development, featuring netball, basketball and other courts for club and community use.
City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the courts would help serve a deficit in quality sporting facilities across the growing northern suburbs.
“Council is committed to ensuring residents have access to the sport and recreation facilities they need to lead physically active and healthy lives,” she said.
“These new multi-purpose courts will help to boost participation rates across all ages in sports such as netball and basketball.
“One of the biggest impediments to participating in sport and leisure activities is ease of access, with travel being a common deterrent for time-poor families.
“But when the Plenty Road-Everton Drive intersection is finished, it will deliver a convenient way for people to access the precinct.”
Plenty Road will remain open for the duration of the works, which are expected to take about 12 months, but motorists will experience changed traffic conditions, such as a reduction in the speed limit.
More information about traffic arrangements will be communicated closer to the project’s start date.
For more information on the project, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/plentyroadintersection.