Margaret Connellan Stadium Priority of Use Framework

The development of Margaret Connellan Stadium at Percy Treyvaud Memorial Park is an exciting project undertaken by the City of Stonnington Council. This state-of-the-art multipurpose sport and recreation facility aims to cater to the growing needs of the community and promote active participation in various sports. The following Priority of Use framework outlines the principles, objectives, and recommendations for the allocation of resources and scheduling at Margaret Connellan Stadium.

Background

On October 30, 2017, the City of Stonnington Council confirmed Percy Treyvaud Memorial Park as the locale of a new multipurpose sport and recreation facility. The detailed findings of community feedback were summarised, and the project draft Masterplan was published.

Council analysed community feedback and recommendations for design changes, and the final Percy Trewaud Memorial Park Masterplan was developed in line with the Project Principles established with input from the Stakeholder Group and community consultation.

These are:

1. Community and social benefit
2. Increase, sport, recreations and wellbeing participation
3. Environmental sustainability
4. Be sensitive to the local community (separated into five components)
   1. Noise
   2. Light
   3. Safety
   4. Traffic
   5. Parking
5. Attractive and functional design
6. Retain and protect open space
7. Balance different needs.

Margaret Connellan

The endorsement of Margaret Connellan Stadium on March 6, 2023 marked a significant milestone for our community. This four-court multipurpose state-of-the-art facility, named in honour of the late Margaret Connellan, will offer fully compliant netball, basketball, volleyball, and badminton courts. Margaret Connellan was a passionate advocate for community sport and facilities and played a crucial role in promoting female participation in the City of Stonnington.

Rationale

The development of Margaret Connellan Stadium aligns with the City of Stonnington's commitment to promoting active and healthy lifestyles, community engagement, and the provision of quality sporting infrastructure. This state-of-the-art facility will address the increasing demand for indoor sports and provide opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to participate in physical activities. The Priority of Use framework aims to establish a transparent and equitable system for resource allocation, scheduling, and user agreements at Margaret Connellan Stadium, ensuring optimal utilisation and maximum benefit for the community.

The Priority of Use framework focuses specifically on the four-court multipurpose indoor stadium within the larger complex, which also includes an eight-rink synthetic lawn bowling green, seven new tennis courts, two outdoor sports ovals, and modern sporting facilities and clubrooms. Separate user agreements will define the usage of these additional facilities.

The strategic vision for the development of Stonnington Indoor Stadium was:

• To primarily cater for the growth in female participation across Stonnington, in particular within the sport of Netball
• To assist in managing the increasing demand for other indoor stadium-based sports
• To increase the availability of sports for all activities within Stonnington

Framework

The Priority of Use framework for Margaret Connellan Stadium outlines the guiding principles, objectives, and recommendations for the allocation of resources and scheduling at Margaret Connellan Stadium. By adhering to these principles and objectives, the stadium will be a vibrant and inclusive hub for sports and recreation activities, fostering community engagement and well-being.

This prioritisation framework will be utilised when conflicting bookings are received annually. At all other times, courts will be allocated on a first in first served basis, however with a strategic objective to achieve increased female participation, Council may choose to target organisations, clubs, or schools within Stonnington that may assist in achieving this goal.

Stadium operating hours

The stadium will typically operate during normal business hours (9:00am - 5:00pm minimum).

However, in line with bookings, the operational hours will be flexible.

For instance, if a booking extends until 10:00pm, the facility will remain open until that time. Likewise, if a group wishes to utilise the stadium from 7:30am for a morning training session, we can accommodate their needs.

Maximum operating hours

Anchor tenant

Stonnington Netball Association has been the primary partner throughout the design and construction phase of Stonnington Indoor Stadium. In recognition of both their input towards this project and the strategic alignment they have with the initial vision it is proposed that they be awarded the position of anchor tenant.

As anchor tenant, Stonnington Netball Association will be provided first option for court allocation within their annual facility hire agreement. They will have priority of shared office space and will work closely with Council on the development of netball within Stonnington, including the delivery of district and regional tournaments as the opportunity arises.

Primary allocation criteria

Following the allocation of courts to Stonnington Netball Association, the following prioritisation will be used to determine the allocation of remaining court space.

Priority 1: Stonnington Netball Association competition - Anchor Tenant 

Priority 2: Stonnington based Clubs conducting training

Priority 3: Stonnington based Schools

Priority 4: Other Stonnington Based Associations running regular competition

Priority 5: Access for all abilities competition and training

Priority 6: Non Stonnington based competitions

Priority 7: Non Stonnington Clubs conducting training.

Secondary allocation criteria

In the event of two competing clubs or associations falling within the same primary allocation category, the following secondary allocation criteria will be used.

Priority 1: Other predominantly female participation sports

Priority 2: Competition over training.