Raise the Roof Benalla

The Raise the Roof Benalla project 1 involves the construction of a 70m x 40m covered riding arena to provide an all-weather surface with floodlighting to extend the use of the Benalla Sports and Equestrian Centre, increase membership and grow equestrian sport participation rates.

Project discussion began three years ago when three local equestrian clubs, who are regular users of the centre contemplated the possibility of improving the facility by building a covered sand arena.  Following presentation and discussion of the concept with Benalla Rural City Council it was deemed a worthy project that fitted within the BRC Recreational Strategic Plan 2015 and the Community Plan 2016-36. It followed that seed funding of $20,000 was committed to by council to commission a feasibility study and masterplan for the precinct. With the professional services of Brendan Gosstray from Sportsline Victoria, Raise the Roof developed the required documentation which then assisted us to submit high quality applications for project funding.

On the back of these documents Raise the Roof Benalla Inc. has been able to partner with other organisations. It has been successful in securing Victorian government funding ($250,000 from Sport and Recreation Victoria) towards the cost of constructing the covered arena.

Following this we have also been successful in obtaining a Federal government grant from Sports Australia ($246,500) to upgrade the Roy Hill Pavilion precinct amenities and clubrooms in conjunction with the Benalla Darts and the Benalla Bandits Baseball clubs (see below).

Current committed funding for the project is:

Benalla Rural City - $20,000 for feasibility study and masterplan development
Benalla Rural City - $50,000 towards construction of the arena
Sport and Recreation Victoria - $250,000 grant for covered arena construction
Sport Australia - $246,500 for a female and family friendly upgrade to precinct amenities
Raise the Roof fundraising and in-kind - $70,000
Stakeholder clubs - $30,000
Partnership with other sporting clubs for amenities upgrades with a commitment of over $15,000

Project stages:

Stage 1: Site works drainage and preparation of arena base prior to construction -COMPLETED
Stage 2: Construction of a 70m x 40m covered sand arena – COMPLETED
Stage 3: Construction of a 60mx35m warm up arena fence - COMPLETED
Stage 4: Construction of an all-weather tiered seating pavilion adjacent to the arena for event viewing (funding required)
Stage 5: Refurbishment of the Roy Hill Pavilion amenities building to a disability, female and family friendly facility – COMPLETED (see below)
Stage 6: Construction of secure boundary fencing - COMPLETED                                            Stage 7: Construction of additional yard facilities - IN PROGRESS                                      Stage 8: Construction of interior access tracks (funding required)

 

The Raise the Roof Benalla Project No. 2 involves the refurbishment of the Roy Hill Pavilion which is the current amenities and clubroom facilities at the Benalla Sports & Equestrian precinct. 

We would like to acknowledge Sport Australia for the funding they provided under the Community Sport Infrastructure 2018 grant round.  We are very grateful.

This project has been made possible through a number of partnerships we have developed.  Five sporting groups have contributed to make this happen which is a super effort.

The Roy Hill Pavilion was originally built as football and cricket change rooms in the 1970's.  The amenities are outdated and below acceptable standard for current users.  This project means that all current users of the venue in particular the equestrian, baseball and darts clubs will have access to be a modernised disability, female & family friendly facility.

 

 

 

The project is well underway thanks to the professional services of local construction company Landmark Construction Group.  Their attention to detail and assistance in navigating some difficult issues has been absolutely outstanding.  Thanks Nick and team!!

Thanks also go to Colin McDonald who worked tirelessly with us to prepare the plans required to secure the building permit.  One of the things we love most about the new renos is the installation of 'proper' windows in the building.  It will now be light and airy and an enticing place to sit and view events.  

We are incredibly excited about the impending completion of this project mid-November 2019.