Delivering Barkly Square Pavilion
Barkly Square is a fully fenced sports field in Kyneton that has long been a hub for recreation and community life. For more than 40 years, it has proudly hosted the Kyneton and District Soccer Club alongside the Kyneton Obedience Dog Club. Yet many of the supporting facilities are now outdated and no longer fit for purpose.
At the same time, soccer is booming across Victoria, with participation in the Loddon Mallee region rising by an impressive 55% over the past three seasons. Recognising this surge, Football Victoria’s 2025 Facilities Strategy identifies the development of All Gender Facilities at Barkly Square as a priority outcome — ensuring the reserve can meet the needs of today’s players and the generations to come.
This project will deliver construction of a multi‑purpose recreational pavilion located along the western boundary of Barkly Square sports field that is designed to bring people together, it will feature publicly accessible DDA amenities and modern change rooms for both home and away teams, plus dedicated spaces for match officials. Both the dog club and soccer club will benefit from secure storage areas—accessible externally and internally—making it easier than ever to manage equipment.
Inside, a spacious multi-use social room will be the heart of the facility, complete with an operable wall so two groups can enjoy the space at the same time. Connected to this hub will be male, female and accessible amenities, along with a handy kitchenette. For larger gatherings, a main kitchen and kiosk servery with dry store will keep everyone well catered for.
Safety and comfort are front of mind, with a first aid room included, and spectators will love the covered viewing area that ensures matches and events can be enjoyed rain or shine. This facility isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about creating a welcoming, flexible space where sport, community, and connection thrive.
Benefits
The new facility represents a major investment in the health, wellbeing, and connectedness of our community. By providing modern, accessible amenities, it ensures that people of all ages and abilities can participate fully in sport and social activities. Local clubs, including the dog club and soccer club, will benefit from purpose-built spaces that support growth, sustainability, and pride in their programs.
Beyond sport, the multi-use social room and catering facilities will create a welcoming hub for gatherings, celebrations, and community events, strengthening bonds between residents and fostering a sense of belonging. The inclusion of a first aid room and covered spectator area demonstrates a commitment to safety and comfort, ensuring that families and supporters can enjoy events with confidence.
This project is a catalyst for community spirit, providing flexible spaces that adapt to diverse needs and laying the foundation for future generations to come together, thrive, and celebrate what makes our community unique.
Project ask
$3.544 million (estimated total project cost)
Project timeline
This project is fully designed and can be delivered within 12 months of funding being secured.
Community testimonials
"This is an overdue, much-needed facility for community use, to help replace the existing, dated facilities. And while it aligns particularly well with our push for greater female participation, it would also provide benefits for other user groups and the wider community." - Ron Cole, President, Kyneton District Soccer Club
"As many people are aware that whilst serving the Kyneton Obedience Dog Club for many years, our pavilion is in an advanced state of decay. KODC has every intention of continuing providing a much-needed and valued service to both humans and their best friends into the future, and the prospect of a new building is both most welcome and timely." - John Flynn, President, Kyneton Obedience Dog Club