THE Bendigo Stadium Precinct redevelopment has taken a major step forward, with the draft master plan released to the public this week. 

Several key opportunities have been listed in the plan - worth $16 million - including a 3000-seat show court precinct, further hardwood courts and an arena-style development on site. 

The council says a minimum of three further courts are required to accommodate expected population growth in the region and address the increase in community participation in basketball. 

A number of stakeholders have also supported the concept of a new arena-style development on,  site with the development designed to be a flexible show court, three court competition facility, concert arena or conference space. 

As part of current planning permit conditions, Bendigo Stadium management has a requirement to make considerable investment capital available to this type of project which may assist in delivering a feasible project. 

The Bendigo Squash Centre Co-operative has expressed an interest in developing facilities at the Bendigo Stadium and an indoor lawn bowling facility has been proposed by Golden Square Lawn Bowling and Croquet Club. 

The draft plan also states that although much of the remainder of the precinct site is subject to mine shafts and potential contaminants, there is opportunity to consider some of the land between the creek line and Inglis Street for development. 

This could include further car parking, hardstand surface and revegetation. 

Find the plan here.