The Victorian State Government and the Knox City Council’s $132-million investment into the redevelopment of the State Basketball Centre has transformed it into one of Australia’s leading sports facilities, supporting local basketballers and gymnasts of all competencies.
The redeveloped centre offers generous amenities, including 18 basketball courts, a gymnastics centre, comprehensive training facilities, administration areas for sporting clubs and organisations, and a new outdoor town square with on-site cafe. Previously welcoming up to 800,000 visitors annually, the expanded facility can now accommodate over 2 million visitors per year.
The State Basketball Centre is now the permanent home for Basketball Victoria, Knox Basketball Inc., Basketball Australia and national basketball teams from the NBL and WNBL. Local and grassroots sports clubs can also take advantage of the training and administrative infrastructure, which supports up and coming young athletes with unrestricted access to elite-level facilities.
The newly-created town square is spacious and furnished with tables and seating, welcoming visitors into the precinct. At the pedestrian entrances to the square from the large carpark, concrete cubed bollards in a honed charcoal finish provide a subtle barrier, deterring any vehicles from entry into the plaza.