A NEW multipurpose training facility at Kennington Recreation Reserve is set to boost junior sport in the region.
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The facility, with movable cricket nets, will give the Bendigo United Cricket Club greater flexibility to practise, while other sports are being played on the Harry Trott oval.
After more than two years of planning, construction of the facility began this year and finished in October.
The City of Greater Bendigo spent more than $400,000 on the new nets, storage shed and lighting.
Opening the facility on Tueaday, Bendigo mayor Lisa Ruffell said it would be a bonus for multiple sports to train all year round.
She said a range of local clubs would be able to play different sports on the synthetic carpet surface.
Bendigo United Cricket Club president David Bicknell said the cricketers had already enjoyed using it.
“The players have been able to practise during the week, after school, and even before games,” he said.
“It’s been a long process getting it, but we couldn’t be happier. We’re rapt that it’s here.”
The city’s recreation capital projects co-ordinator Lindy Phegan said the idea behind the facility was to provide an alternative option to play sports off the oval.
“Cricketers can still train during their off-season while the junior football league plays matches on the oval,” she said.
“It will attract even more sports and training to the area. There’s already a big demand and it will continue to grow.”
Ms Phegan said other cricket clubs in Bendigo had already expressed interest in developing similar facilities.