BT Connor – Oval 4 Synthetic Pitch Upgrade Project

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The BT Connor Reserve Oval 4 grass pitch is being upgraded to a FIFA-accredited 50mm synthetic grass surface, and will include a range of sustainability measures, including an organic infill product, recycled base, and an EPA-compliant containment barrier.

The project will see the existing grass playing surface on Oval 4 replaced with a synthetic pitch, doubling usage from 20 hours a week to more than 40 hours a week, supporting increased participation for the community.

FAQS

How will the new synthetic soccer pitch project benefit the community?

The project aims to provide a high-quality, durable playing surface that meets modern soccer standards. The synthetic pitch will enable year-round use, reduce maintenance costs, and improve accessibility for players, including women and girls.

What is a synthetic turf playing field?

Synthetic turf refers to any artificial turf surface used in sports ground construction including unfilled, filled and water-based surfaces.

What are the benefits of a synthetic pitch over natural grass?

Synthetic pitches offer consistent playing conditions, reduced maintenance requirements, and the ability to withstand heavy use without deteriorating, making them ideal for areas with high demand for playing time.

Some of the benefits of using synthetic surfaces over natural turf are:

  • can be used for an increased number of hours (doubling usage from natural turf)
  • all weather surface (during rain events and immediately after)
  • takes pressure off natural turf field recovery times
  • consistency of ball roll for training and competition purposes
  • safer playing surface for users
  • savings from maintenance costs
  • water savings – no irrigation or watering required
  • allows for additional participation opportunities and club growth.

How has environmental impact been considered with the project design?

Council has consulted with Merri Creek Management Committee and Melbourne Water, and will ensure that this project achieves the Landscape Character Objectives under the recent State Government Significant Landscape Overlay:

Darebin Planning Scheme – Ordinance: Schedule 1 to CLAUSE 42.03 Significant Landscape Overlay

Council has included various environmentally sustainable measures in the synthetic pitch design including:

  • EPA compliant containment barrier. This includes microplastic containment measures, ensuring the perimeter barrier prevents infill particles and broken- down synthetic fibres from entering surrounding environments and waterways. The design incorporates a physical barrier system engineered to capture plastic pollutants before they leave the site
  • naturally organic olive pith infill
  • recycled base material, reusing approximately 75 tonnes of plastic waste and 75 tonnes of rubber waste thereby reducing 112.5 tonnes of CO2
  • additional indigenous vegetation planting in-between the pitch and Merri Creek to address the requirements of the Significant Landscape Overlay
  • woven fibre technology to minimise loss of synthetic fibres
  • the new synthetic sports field would not need irrigation and would therefore use significantly less water, as well as not needing pesticides or herbicides
  • regular maintenance schedule will be put in place to manage fibres ongoing.

How is the project being funded?

This project will be delivered in partnership with the Federal Government, which has committed $1.5 million to support the upgrade. Investment from Preston Lions Football Club will cover the balance of funds required to complete the project. Darebin City Council will manage the redevelopment.  

Will the new facility be fenced?

The existing fence line will remain with some gates added, to allow the facility to be locked if required.

Will dogs have access to this facility?

The adjacent off-leash areas at BT Connor Oval Reserve will be available as normal.

How will Council allocate the site for organised sport?

Council manages the use of this site through our Seasonal Allocation process, and will be available for approved school bookings outside of club hours.

Will the synthetic pitch be safe for players?

Player safety is a top priority in the design. The surface will be engineered to minimise injury risks, with appropriate shock absorption and high-quality FIFA certified 50mm pile.

What stage is this project currently in?

The project is in the Project Inception and Planning phase. This involves site investigations, stakeholders, due diligence, schematic design, and preliminaries to ensure the pitch meets performance, safety and environmental requirements.

The upgrade is expected to be completed in 2027.

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