An upgrade for the popular Churchill Park sports precinct is due to start by the end of 2017.
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The existing gravel car park will be resurfaced and a new car parking area to accommodate about 500 vehicles will be created during the first stage of the $1 million development.
The state government is supporting the City of Launceston’s project with a $320,000 community infrastructure fund grant.
Thousands of families make use of the facilities each week, according to Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said.
“We envisage work will be completed in time for the opening of next season's junior soccer competition,” he said.
“This work will consolidate the existing two car parks into one, and will include relocating the existing car park inside the facility, mostly for safety reasons.”
The mayor said the works would have a minimal impact on activities at Churchill Park during the summer.
Bass Liberal MHA Michael Ferguson said safety would be improved by consolidating the parking to the southern side of the site.
He said amenity of the area would also be improved by the removal of some internal fences and increasing space for more playing fields.
“It is expected that two or three more soccer fields will be created which will be used for cricket in summer, and the redevelopment also takes into account all uses of Churchill Park, including the local dog club,” Mr Ferguson said.
Ald van Zetten said the council would look to developing the old car park, which was once a hockey pitch, once the car park and landscaping works were complete.
“That will be a separate stage of the overall project and we hope to look at that sometime in the not-too-distant future,” he said.
The space will include an artificial pitch and will be able to accommodate cricket.
The entry gate and signage will also be replaced.
Upgraded facilities, such as the redeveloped precinct at Churchill Park, will enhance community and society health and well-being, Mr Ferguson said.