Along with the restoration works at Canterbury Park Sporting Precinct, k20 Architecture headed the design of the new 457sqm leading edge social pavilion which sits harmoniously next to its predecessors. Completed in 2017, the two developments form the pivotal components of the high-profile Canterbury Park Precinct in Eaglehawk, Bendigo. Sustainable design principles look to provide low ongoing maintenance and operation costs of the facility and promote passive thermal performance and comfort.

The Grandstand was built in 1900 and was designed by the German architect, Carl Wilhelm Vahland, notable architect in Bendigo. Vahland was responsible for many of Bendigo’s fine public and private buildings. The Canterbury Park Grandstand is a very fine example of a late nineteenth century grandstand demonstrating the ‘boom style’ architecture of Victoria’s central goldfields and represents the importance of sport to regional communities at the time. Such surviving grandstands of this era are comparatively rare in Victoria and k20 Architecture was privileged to deliver this project for the City of Bendigo.

The site is covered by Heritage Overlay HO17, Canterbury Gardens Eaglehawk and the Grandstand has significant heritage values which were carefully retained and incorporated into the works which were carried out over four stages.

Stage 1 Refurbishment of the internal understory Grandstand clubrooms and change rooms
Stage 2 Restoration of the upper heritage Grandstand
Stage 3 Construction of a new stand-alone social pavilion
Stage 4 Alterations to the Carpark layout including upgrading of carpark lighting, a new formalised main entry to the facility from Fry Lane, Eaglehawk, the creation of a pedestrian forecourt, the addition of bleachers to the front of the new social pavilion and an upgrade to the existing coach’s boxes, ticket boxes, player and spectator shelters.

Home to the Eaglehawk Football Netball Club and the Eaglehawk Cricket Club the facilities are a centre for sport in Bendigo through a landmark building which encourages social interaction and community pride. The Canterbury Park Sporting Precinct will continue to serve the community for another 100+ years.