WNBL’s Southside Flyers to square off at Southbank’s new basketball courts

Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece pulled on his Nikes on July 31 to try out Southbank’s new pop-up basketball courts at Melbourne Square ahead of a community event on August 24.

On Saturday, August 24 from 10.30am to 12.30pm, Cr Reece will appear alongside Melbourne National Basketball League Southside Flyers captain Rebecca Cole and teammates Maddison Rocci and Dallas Loughridge to celebrate the new facilities.

It will mark Melbourne Square’s first community event at the new pop-up basketball courts, which have been designed for the local community, providing recreational space for residents and the broader Southbank area.

Following the loss of the temporary courts at Boyd Park, which were removed last year to make way for PDG’s new Boyd Village development, the council had sought an interim solution until permanent courts are installed as part of the renewal of the Kings Way undercroft.

Melbourne Square developer OSK Property graciously stepped in to provide that solution by temporarily converting land for future development into a landscaped outdoor space, basketball courts and public amenity. The pop-up courts have also been made possible thanks to partial funding from the City of Melbourne.

The $3 billion Melbourne Square precinct located at 93-119 Kavanagh St has introduced two new half-courts alongside two new four-square courts, all of which will be open for at least the next few years as the development takes shape.

The courts will be open for public use from 9am to 6pm during winter and 9am to 8pm during summer.

“This is a slam dunk for the Southbank community. We’re thrilled residents can once again shoot hoops in the heart of our most densely populated suburb,” Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said.

“We want to thank OSK Property for coming to the table to deliver this important project with us – as well as the community groups who have advocated so passionately.”

“While this is not a permanent solution, it will provide a vital recreation space while we progress plans to redevelop the northern undercroft.”

OSK Property Australia CEO Chong Boon Woon said the new courts were reflective of its joint focus with the council on contributing positively to the Southbank community alongside Melbourne Square residents.

“We’re very proud to be delivering this outdoor sports and recreation amenity to locals – we want Melbourne Square to be a member of the Southbank community, and for locals to enjoy access to the amazing outdoor spaces that our team has built,” Mr Woon said.

“The new courts are the perfect place for families and friends to come together after work or school and will add another string to Southbank’s bow. It’s a prime location for a number of different users.”

“We have already seen a fantastic response to these basketball courts from both local residents and visitors to Melbourne Square.”

“I look forward to seeing everyone working up a sweat at the community open day later this month – and encourage all Southbank residents to come along and enjoy the fun.” •