Work on Geelong's Youth Activities Area is about to get underway.

On Tuesday night the City of Greater Geelong Council accepted the tender from Canteri Bros Constructions Pty Ltd for the construction of the Youth Activities Area for the fixed lump sum of $1,386,760.

Council also referred the allocation of additional funding of $380,000 to the 2008/09 capital works budget.

The Youth Activities Area - to be built at the Geelong Waterfront - is a partnership project involving the City of Greater Geelong, the Federal Government (through Regional Partnerships) and the State Government (through Sport and Recreation and the Department for Victorian Communities).
The facility will include:
• Skateable surfaces
• Small stages and performance spaces
• Basketball half-court
• Multi-purpose outdoor space suitable for hosting a range of events including markets, live music and art exhibitions
• Speakers and a PA system
• Well-lit, aesthetically pleasing design

"Located at the Waterfront to the west of Cunningham Pier, the Youth Activities Area will provide our region's 40,000-plus young people with a dedicated area for a wide range of sport and recreation activities and events,"  Youth portfolio holder Cr Jan Farrell.

"What's unique about this youth facility is that young people will be heavily involved in its management and maintenance as well as organising youth events to be staged there."

"This will give young people a sense of connection with their city and their community," she said.

Austin Ward portfolio holder Cr John Mitchell said the Waterfront was an ideal location for the Youth Activities Area.

"The Waterfront was redeveloped for the entire community to use and enjoy.  Its central location and proximity to bus stops and the train station make it an easily accessible venue for young people," he said.

Major Projects portfolio holder Cr Stretch Kontelj said he was delighted that work was about to get underway on the $1.3 million facility.

"The Youth Activities Area won't be just a skate park, but a multi-purpose facility that will significantly increase recreation opportunities available to our young people," Cr Kontelj said.

"A great deal of community consultation has gone into the planning for the Youth Activities Area and the end result will be a multi-purpose facility that will cater to the needs of Geelong's youth."

Work is expected to commence in mid to late April 2008.