Benalla Rural City Council has endorsed Churchill Recreation Reserve as the preferred site for the redevelopment of the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre. The decision, made during Confidential Business of the Council Meeting on Wednesday 6 August 2025, reflects a commitment to delivering a facility that meets the needs of the growing Benalla Rural City community.
Previously the Council had given its in-principle support for the redevelopment to occur at the Former Benalla P-12 College Barkly Street Campus. Following this decision in April 2024, site investigations and negotiations with the State Government identified numerous issues with the Barkly Street site.
“Unfortunately resolving all of these issues would take significant time and money, creating a major risk to the project being completed on time and within budget,” Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn said.
“The decision to move forward with Churchill Recreation Reserve as the preferred site, was a difficult but necessary move. With time restraints on the grant funding and the difficulty involved in the land acquisition and transfers we believe Churchill Reserve offers reduced risks to project delivery compared to other proposed locations,” Cr Hearn said.
Council identified key factors influencing the decision included the Churchill site’s alignment with existing sporting facilities, its capacity for future growth, and its ability to meet project timelines without the complexities of land acquisition or significant environmental constraints. The Council’s decision also was informed by detailed site investigations.
“Soil testing and geotechnical assessments showed that the Churchill site is safe and ready for development, with no significant environmental or structural concerns,” Cr Hearn said.
“Additionally, the site’s location within a growth area ensures it will serve as a convenient and accessible facility for the community into the future.”
Community engagement remains important for the project’s success, with Council continuing to meet with stakeholders including the project steering committee. Further consultation is planned as project investigations progress.
The Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre redevelopment is supported by a $15 million funding commitment from the State Government, announced in May 2023. The redevelopment will cater to a variety of indoor sports and will integrate with the existing sports precinct at Churchill Reserve.
The project is expected to progress through detailed design and construction phases in the coming months, with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and community-focused outcomes.
For more information and to stay updated on the project, visit Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre Redevelopment | Have Your Say