Corben Oval electrical and pavilion upgrades
Project status
The project timeline is subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions, and will be updated as the project progresses.
- High Voltage civil works have been completed along Yarra Bend Road and low voltage infrastructure has been installed. Parks Victoria is currently working with Jemena to finalise the connection to power, including to the pavilion.
- Solar street lights have been installed in lieu of the discontinued power fed lights to minimise impact to the environment.
- A contractor has completed internal improvements to the Corben Oval Pavilion and public toilets, including: internal painting, floor levelling and painting, new toilet partitions, possum proofing and shelf storage within the changerooms.
- A temporary power connection has been established to allow BBQs to be used during the refurbishment of the public toilets and changerooms at the pavilion.
- A new shelter has been installed near the ovals to provide more shade for spectators.
Last updated: September 2025
The project
Corben Oval is a sporting oval located in Yarra Bend Park in Fairfield on Wurundjeri Country. The oval is used by local school sports teams and local soccer, football and cricket clubs for practice and competition sport. The pavilion next to the oval provides changerooms for the sporting groups and a public toilet for visitors to the reserve.
Due to a significant fault in the electrical power supply line, the power has been disconnected at Corben Oval in Yarra Bend Park since 2019. As a result, the pavilion, toilet block, street lighting and barbecues in the Loop Picnic Area couldn't be used.
A project is nearly completed to install a new power connection along Yarra Bend Road and upgrade the Corben Oval Pavilion, which will bring life back to the facilities for visitors and sports users.
We consulted with local sporting groups to get their input on the changes being implemented at the pavilion.
The project involves:
- Installing high voltage power supply on the opposite side of Yarra Bend Road to the Golf Course Building
- Connecting low voltage power to Corben Oval which will service the pavilion, toilet block and Loop Picnic Area barbecues and facilities
- renovating components of the pavilion so it can be reopened to the public and local sporting groups
- Building a new outdoor shelter providing shade and protection from the elements near the oval
These upgrades will allow more people to enjoy exercise, sports and spending time outdoors with family and friends at Yarra Bend Park.
Environmental and cultural heritage assessments are informing exactly where, when and how components of this project are delivered.
Project benefits
Visitors
Park Visitors will be able to again enjoy the barbecue facilities and toilets while visiting the Loop Picnic Area.
Community
Local cricket clubs, football clubs and schools will enjoy use of an improved sporting pavilion and facilities during practice, matches and tournaments.
Economy
The addition of power to the site and the upgrades to the pavilion will allow for activity and events at the park beyond the existing sporting uses.
Project funding
The Victorian Government has invested $1.6 million for this project.
Environment and cultural heritage management
Wherever possible we will use existing infrastructure to limit environmental impacts on this project.
We are working with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and have developed a Cultural Heritage Management Plan to ensure the Aboriginal cultural heritage values of the site are protected.
Yarra Bend Park is also included on the Victorian Heritage Register and is afforded protection under the Heritage Act (2017). With Heritage Victoria’s approval, archaeologists and heritage advisors have surveyed the alignment, informed the design and specification, and put mitigation measures in place to ensure the heritage values of the site are protected.
Who are we working with?
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Access changes
Community can still access Corben Oval during the works, however there will be traffic management in place along Yarra Bend Road.
Putting safety first
Visitor safety is our number one priority when considering risk in parks. While nature will always be unpredictable, our projects and maintenance works help minimise risks and help people explore the great outdoors safely.
Parks Victoria is responsible for continuously managing and maintaining over 50,000 pieces of infrastructure across the state annually. We’re also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These are thoroughly planned and prepared to keep people and projects separate – and safe.
When visiting a park where projects are happening, especially during construction, it’s important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.
Related information
Project update: Sparking life back into Corben Oval (June 2024)
Project update: Plans progressing for Corben Oval electrical upgrades (December 2023)
Media release: Supporting sports at Yarra Bend Park (April 2023)
Media release: Yarra Bend’s Corben Oval set for million-dollar upgrade (December 2021)
Frequently Asked Questions
What upgrades are being made to the pavilion?
Stage 1 of the pavilion renovations include repairing the roof, upgrading the building’s stormwater drainage and installing a drinking fountain for users of the oval. The scope of further works will be determined once the scope and cost of the additional permits and low and high electrical works have been confirmed.
When will the pavilion be upgraded?
External works to repair the pavilion roof, upgrade the building’s stormwater drainage and install a drinking fountain have already been delivered. The new shelter adjoining the pavilion is constructed and open to the public. Furthermore, the internal refurbishment works that have also been completed include: cleaning and painting of the walls and floors, replacement of toilet partitions and new toilet roll holders, possum proofing, replacing changeroom gates and bench seating, plus new shelving. We are waiting on some custom-made replacement sewerage pumps to be ready and once this is installed we can re-open both the pavilion and public toilet blocks. This is expected to be ready in late 2025.
What works are planned to upgrade the electricity at the site?
Due to a significant fault in the electrical power supply line, the power has been disconnected at Corben Oval in Yarra Bend Park since 2019. As a result, the pavilion, toilet block, lighting and barbecues in the Loop Picnic Area can’t currently be used. This project will install a new power connection along Yarra Bend Road and to the pavilion, which will bring life back to the facilities for visitors and sports users.
Is solar power an option?
The power will need to supply an underground pump station that collects wastewater from the public toilet block. We explored the option of solar but found it was not possible based on availability of a system capable of generating and storing sufficient power for operation of the existing sewer pumps feeding onto the pressurised sewer main.
How can I stay updated about this project?
We will update this project page regularly, and you can also sign up to receive updates about projects happening in Yarra Bend Park here. If you have specific questions about the project, you can email the team at engage@parks.vic.gov.au or call the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963.