The restored Canberra Croquet Club clubhouse officially opened today. One of the oldest facilities in the ACT, the club needed an upgrade, said Yvette Berry, Minister for Sport and Recreation.
Established in 1928, it is perhaps the oldest sporting club in the ACT. The heritage-listed building, next to the Hyatt Hotel, dates from 1933.
The ACT Government provided a $410,000 Capital Assistance Program grant towards the project, which included a disabled ramp access and bathroom, a kitchen upgrade (and new dishwasher), new storage and mallet rooms, and the removal of hazardous materials. The place is so up to date with Building Codes Australia requirements that it even has a shower!
The Club also contributed $100,000 to the clubhouse. One member, Yvonne Grattan, made an important donation in memory of her late husband, which meant the kitchen could be upgraded, Ms Berry remarked.
Heritage architects Eric Martin & Associates supervised the design and construction of the project.
Greg Diprose, president of the Canberra Croquet Club, appreciated the government’s funding support. “The completion of this project now provides a tremendous community asset which the whole Canberra community can utilise and participate in the sport of croquet.”
Ms Berry said the restoration of the clubhouse is another example of the ACT Government’s commitment to improving sporting infrastructure across our community.
“The restoration of the clubhouse was a significant undertaking, and will provide a wonderful new space for the club to enjoy for many years to come,” Ms Berry said.
“This project has been several years in the making, with the club working extremely hard to ensure all improvements were sensitive to the heritage and other sensitivities of the original building and its prominent location in the nation’s capital.
“These croquet lawns are a piece of Canberra’s history, and it’s great that the clubhouse now offers a more enjoyable space for members and the community to stay active.”
