The scope and sequence of the Stead Park redevelopment had been discussed for over twelve months by the Project Reference Group. On this PRG we had Gillian Armstead, Paul Schram, Alan Climpson and myself as representatives of Hockey Geelong. All of our meetings and decisions made were confidential so we were only able to release basic information.
I can now say that the finished redevelopment will be excellent and place us as having the best facilities outside of the State Netball and Hockey Centre. The Torquay pitch is being delivered and managed by the Surf Coast Shire and will be a venue for Torquay to train and play.
The sod turn was last Friday and this marks the official commencement of the project. We are now able to be more transparent. We still do not know the completion date as that is a State Government announcement. We expect it to be in the third quarter of 2026. Fairbrother is the chosen builder and they are a local firm. They have a fine reputation and we are excited by their reputation and expertise.
What we will not have.
We will not have use of pitch 1 as it is being replaced. The area within the fence line is a construction site and is not to be entered under any circumstances. If your hockey ball enters that zone then please leave it and the builders shall return it and others to us periodically. The new pitch 1 will be of international standard and able to host state and national games.
What we will still have use of
Pitch 2:
We do still have full access for pitch 2 and this can be booked in the normal way. The sprinklers and lights will also be used as usual. The dugouts and tech bench for pitch 2 will be moved to the far side prior to the 2026 winter season. During the summer hockey on pitch 2 there is temporary fencing on the pitch so we ask players to be aware of this.
We need to provide the builders with a spreadsheet of the use of pitch 2 in blocks of four weeks. This means there cannot be any use without prior permission.
Booking enquiries: read more here……
Pavilion:
We still have full use of our pavilion and will have until we receive a removal notice next year at a time to be notified by the State Government. Lights for pitch 2 shall be used in the normal way from the pavilion. The canteen, changing rooms, toilets, meeting rooms, office, first aid, cage areas and social spaces shall be unchanged. They are still available for your use. The canteen will be used as it has been and we will be encouraging you to use it during summer and winter competitions. This is our main revenue source.
We intended to dispose of the current tables and chairs at the end of the next season. More information about our garage sale will be sent out next year. If you have any specific questions on this aspect then please see me.
Season 2026:
How the winter season may look for 2026 depends on the information we receive around completion dates and when we receive a notice of removal. A notice of removal will be given to us three months prior. This will give us plenty of time to pack things but I suspect the packing, storage and disposal of items currently in the pavilion will commence before that. We are hoping to get a full season in next year. How many weeks that may be is yet to be decided. A shortened season is a real possibility; 2026 will be a different type of season. When we receive more information, we shall inform you.
Entering and Using Stead Park
One enters SP in the normal way and you will see a great deal of temporary fencing. The area to the right as you enter will be part of the construction site. Anything on the other side of the temporary fencing is a construction site and under no circumstances are you to enter any part. When you walk around to the left and go past the pavilion normal access will be available. The access to pitch 2 will be via the path down to the ramp and then to outside the permanent fencing.
You turn right and walk along with the permanent fence on your right and the temporary on the left. There will be lighting installed. You follow that pathway until you reach the gate to re-enter SP and you will be near access to pitch 2 at the north west corner for matches and training. There is a small spectator area there and more viewing will be outside of the permanent fencing on the grass area behind the goal and around on the grass on the outside of the east sideline.
I have tried to include everything and please contact me or someone on the executive if you have specific questions or requests. This year and next will be challenging but you will see the construction of the pavilion and the new pitch, progress before your eyes, which will be most exciting. The small inconvenience will be worth it once you see the redevelopment completed. Hockey Geelong is most fortunate to have this opportunity.
Best wishes
Graeme Dent
President Hockey Geelong
