AFL Victoria has confirmed it will commit $75,000 to assist the redevelopment of Ivanhoe Park Pavilion under the Facilities Development Fund.
Home to the Ivanhoe Amateur Football Club, Ivanhoe Junior Football Club and the Ivanhoe Cricket Club, the redevelopment will entail a larger social area, a brand new kitchen and canteen, as well as four revamped change rooms for both male and females.
Ivanhoe President, Luke Blackwood, says the 45-year-old pavilion and change rooms “are in desperate need of a facelift”.
“It’s out to tender as we speak, with a potential builder appointed first week of December with works to begin first week of February.”
Despite Ivanhoe being out of the pavilion for the 2016 season, Blackwood understands the value of the redevelopment.
“We’re off the ground and we’re out of the pavilion which obviously makes it a tough year for us so we’re sort of apprehensive,” he says.
“But the final product will be something that will be an important selling point to get players, recruit players and keep people involved with the club.”
News of the redevelopment comes on the back of Ivanhoe reappointing their senior and reserves coaching staff for the 2016 season.
Ivanhoe recently underwent one of their most successful seasons to date, with all three teams playing in their respective sections’ grand finals.