Challenger Reserve Upgrade
Planning is underway to enhance use of Challenger Reserve in Manning to better meet the recreational needs of our growing community.
The reserve is currently home to lawn bowls, tennis, football/soccer and cricket clubs. It has sporting playing fields, sports lighting, clubrooms/pavilions and a playground, and is also used by residents for informal recreation.
Detailed design
Council considered the outcomes on the alternative concepts and cost estimates for the Challenger Reserve Concept Design/Masterplan at its 30 June Ordinary Meeting.
Following analysis of the options, the City recommended that funding be allocated in the 2026/27 mid-year budget review for the detailed design of a new Challenger Reserve Pavilion, to provide for the future demolition and redevelopment of Challenger Pavilion only.
As part of the decision, Council will consider the allocation of $700,000 through the 2026/27 Mid-Year Budget Review to undertake the detailed design, which will provide for the redevelopment, subject to future Council decisions.
Council also requested that the design minimise tree removal wherever possible.
The detailed design phase will refine the detail provided as part of the option to address constructability and building code compliance matters to inform construction. The materials, fixtures and finishes both internally and externally are also determined. Further consultation with clubs with respect to their specific requirements will be discussed during this process.
In addition, the City will continue engaging with the Manning Memorial Bowling Club to explore opportunities to deliver refurbishments and enhancements to its existing clubhouse and facilities.
You can read the minutes on the Council Meetings page.
Background
The City’s Community Recreation Facilities Plan 2019 -2033 recommended developing a masterplan to guide future upgrades at Challenger Reserve.
In early 2020, a Challenger Reserve Masterplan/Concept Plan was developed that incorporated stakeholder and community engagement, and included a prioritised list of proposed enhancement works at the reserve. The works were intended to be delivered as budget funds and external funding became available.
In May 2025, a report was presented to Council on community recreation facility redevelopment options for Challenger Reserve, with Council subsequently resolving for the City to develop a revised Challenger Reserve Masterplan/Concept Design that makes provision for a multi-purpose building to accommodate both exclusive use and shared spaces for the sporting clubs and groups; and enhancement of the existing tennis facilities.
A revised Challenger Reserve Masterplan/Concept Plan to optimise future use of the sporting buildings/pavilions/changerooms, associated sporting facilities and carparks at the site was developed, with community feedback submissions sought from 9-27 October 2025.
At the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 16 December 2025, Council noted the outcome of the community and stakeholder engagement, staging and cost estimates for the Challenger Reserve Masterplan Concept Design.
Council also requested the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) undertake a Councillor workshop to determine the parameters for this project going forward.
