A multi-purpose stadium featuring a timber sprung floor, change room, two ambulant toilets and a meeting room will be constructed adjoining the existing indoor building at the Myrtleford Showgrounds.

Works are set to begin in November.

The stadium committee has been in formal talks with Alpine Council for the past year and treasurer Peter Ahne said a second playing surface would bring more opportunity for current and potential users.

“One of the main users is the basketball club and they will be able to host more matches and save people paying until midnight,” he said.

“Basketball is popular in Myrtleford and the one playing area is just not enough.

“We’ll be able to attract other uses as well; we haven’t had any table tennis play so maybe there will be an opportunity for that. 

“The new stadium will be a big venue that will seat a lot of people for events as well.”

Initial projections are construction will be complete in late 2019.

Alpine Shire Council Director Assets Will Jeremy said the two stadiums would be linked via a foyer.

“More than 15 local sporting and recreation groups provided letters of support for the project,” he said.

“From an economic perspective, there will be more opportunity to attract tournaments and events and bring more people to experience what we have to offer as a holiday destination.”

Council has contributed $1.25 million to the project, the Victorian government $1.3 million, and the Myrtleford and District Basketball Association $50,000.