Representatives of the Cromwell Sports Club used the public forum at the most recent meeting of the Cromwell Community Board (CCB) to support its request for funding.

The club wants to upgrade the existing facilities on Anderson Park Recreation Reserve and it applied to the CCB to release $69,333 from the Cromwell Sports Club Fund Reserve to the club for the upgrade.

The club also requested $250,000 from the CCB, which resolved to consider the request as part of the 2024-34 Long-term Plan process. 

The sports club said as Cromwell’s population has grown, so has the need for larger facilities to cater to the additional demand. 

In May 2020, the CCB agreed to a variation of the club’s lease to increase the clubroom area to provide for the construction of new changing facilities and storage areas.

The club has been working with council staff on a funding proposal for the board’s consideration over recent months, as well as undertaking discussions with funding agencies.

The club invested $40,000 in concept design plans, incorporating feedback from consultation with its members and the public. 

The proposed upgrade includes increasing the building from 146m2 to 250m2, adding four changing sheds, improving accessibility, and creating a small and large meeting room. 

To date, the club has fundraised $200,000 of the estimated overall cost of the upgrade of around $2.1M.

Cromwell Sport’s Club secretary Paula Clark said she would hold off commenting on the outcome of the CCB meeting until after the committee had met. 

The existing clubrooms were built in 1980 by the club on land leased from council. 

Cromwell Sports Club Inc. represents eight member clubs: Cromwell Rugby Football Club, Cromwell Junior Rugby Club, Cromwell Associated Football Club, Cromwell Basketball Club, Cromwell Cricket Club, Cromwell Lawn Tennis Club, Cromwell Netball Club and the Golden Oldies Netball Club.

PHOTO: The Central App