15 years to deliver $15 million upgrades: 2041 set as final finish line for modern Burwood sporting hub

Deakin University has promised about $4.16 million towards two parts of the plan – or about 27.3 percent of the total cost.

Author

Matthew Sims
February 04, 2026

Burwood locals keen for a planned $15 million upgrade of Bennettswood Reserve will likely have to wait until 2041, with the works not projected to reach the final stages for at least 15 years.

What happened: While Deakin University has promised just over $4 million towards the development of Bennettswood Reserve, Whitehorse council said it still needed to procure at least $10 million in funding from the state and federal government, as well as its own coffers. 

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📍 What it looks like: Located along Burwood Highway and next to Deakin University’s Burwood campus, the draft master plan of Bennettswood Reserve covered a space of more than 21 acres, with the proposed revamp including:

  • The installation of one senior soccer pitch, overlayed with two junior soccer pitches, and floodlighting;

  • The expansion of the existing cricket nets from four lanes to six;

  • The installation of up to three golf training nets; and

  • A social and recreational area featuring two undercover multipurpose courts, fitness equipment, picnic areas and table tennis tables.

💰 How much will it cost? In order to deliver this infrastructure, the council will have to source about $11 million, including from ratepayers and its open space reserves – essentially a supply of money set aside from contributions made by developers for the future development of open space – as well as other levels of government.

  • Deakin University has agreed to fund and deliver the two new multipurpose courts and canopy – with an estimated cost of about $3.1 million – and an extra pavilion to support educational and community programs – with a projected cost of $1 million.

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⏭️ What’s next: Whitehorse Council will soon open community consultation on the draft master plan before it returns to council approval to inform the project’s delivery.

  • High-priority upgrades set to be delivered between July 2026 and June 2032  – at a cost of about $6.1 million – include two new multipurpose courts and a senior soccer pitch.