Renders provided by City of Mitcham
After years of planning, passionate community input, and support from all levels of government, the long-awaited upgrade to the City of Mitcham’s Gil Langley Building is officially underway. As part of the larger Mortlock Park Project, this isn’t just about bricks and mortar, this is about building something much bigger for the community.
Located at the heart of the heritage-listed Colonel Light Gardens, the $4.535 million project has been shaped by people who know the park best, the locals. In 2023, the City of Mitcham undertook a wide-reaching community consultation process, where over 600 people responded to an online survey, three pop-up sessions were held, and a dedicated advisory group was formed to help direct the project. That feedback has helped shape the future of this much-loved parkland.
The Gil Langley Building is used by multiple sports clubs, local schools and the wider community, and a lot is changing to benefit these groups. The new works include four unisex changerooms, umpires’ facilities, accessible toilets, a medical room, a new canteen, better storage, batting tunnels, a refreshed balcony space and general upgrades like new carpet and a fresh coat of paint.
“Located in a heritage-listed suburb, it has required extensive planning, coordination and care to ensure we honoured the character of the area and balanced the needs of our local residents and sporting club community,” shared City of Mitcham Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross.
The funding has come together from many contributors including $900,000 from the Federal Government, $2.1 million from the State Government (a commitment made by Member for Elder, Nadia Clancy MP during the last state election), and $1.434 million from the City of Mitcham, with generous top-ups from the Colonel Light Gardens Football Club and Goodwood Baseball Club.
As part of the broader Mortlock Park transformation, brand new 18-metre light towers are replacing the old lighting, and there’s work underway to improve baseball infrastructure, including a new backstop fence.
Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross also said the project would help pave the way for more women and girls to be involved in sport and had been years in the making. These upgrades will mean more kids playing footy under lights, more girls and women feeling welcome in sport, and more families spending time in a space that’s safe, social, and supportive of their wellbeing.
The upgrades at Mortlock Park really are a significant investment in local sport and community life, creating a safer, more inclusive space for clubs, families, schools, and community groups to come together. The modernised facilities will support junior and women’s participation, training, and competition, and the park is sure to thrive as a go-to community spot.
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