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Works to replace the flooring at Val Bertrand Stadium have been completed on time and under budget, with a very special guest giving the works her seal of approval.
Legendary Warrnambool sports administrator Val Bertrand was on-hand at the official opening.
“It was very impressive. It’s very different to what was down before and I hope it lasts 35 years like the other one lasted,” she said.
“It looks fresh and bright and fantastic. They’ve done a great job.”
Val Bertrand was a long-time physical education teacher and netball administrator, and is still keenly involved in rowing. She also helped introduce the emerging sport of pickleball to the city about eight years ago.
She said seeing the work progress over the summer period brought back a lot of memories of when the stadium was originally built.
“When I did come and see the floor ripped up and the cement and all the seats gone, goodness me it was like 35 years ago,” she said.
“So it took me back in time, it really did.
“I think I had a tear or two to be honest because it brought back what a big effort it was for our committee to have taken on a project like this, because it was huge back then.”
The stadium regularly hosts netball, basketball, indoor bowls, volleyball and pickleball games, with Warrnambool Mayor Ben Blain saying that he was excited to welcome everyone back.
“We understand how important the stadium is for the wellbeing, the fitness, the health benefits for Warrnambool and how much the stadium is a cherished asset,” he said.
“The lines look amazing, and they’re all colour-codes for all the different sports.
“Thank you to all the groups for their patience. I know there were some workarounds for some bowls tournaments while works were going on, so thanks to everyone for their patience.”
The scope of the works included:
- Replacement of the existing flooring with Tasmanian Oak
- New vinyl flooring to the grandstand, the Val Bertrand Foyer and the Arc Stadium Foyer
- Grandstand works
- Heavy duty floor boxes with power and data points
The total project cost was $650,000.