WORKS on the Leopold Memorial Reserve precinct redevelopment are now underway, with local contractors breaking ground on the Federal Government’s $3.25 million three-stage upgrade.

Car park improvements will be installed between the Leopold Football Netball Club and the Leopold Tennis Club as part of the first stage of the precinct upgrade to formalise parking, improving safety and access for locals and visitors.

Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker, visited the precinct alongside members of the community advisory group, including representatives from the Leopold Lions Club, Tennis Club, and Football Netball Club to celebrate the milestone.

Ms Coker said the start of works signal an exciting future for sports clubs and community groups in Leopold.

“Leopold Memorial Reserve is the heart of this community, it’s a place that brings everyone together which is why this upgrade is so important,” Ms Coker said.

“I’d like to thank the club representatives and local groups who have advocated tirelessly for these upgrades – this is a great outcome for the Leopold community.”

The car park upgrade will be followed by construction of a new netball half-court to provide a warmup space for netballers as well as an additional active area for the local Scouts group.

Subsequent upgrades will include a female friendly change facility and toilet with a storage area, replacing an outdated toilet block that is no longer fit for purpose.

The Albanese Government committed funding to the project prior to the 2022 Federal Election, with the City of Greater Geelong partnering to deliver the works.