Lights go up at Warrnambool's new-look Reid Oval

Reid Oval Project Control Group Chair Debbie Arnott said it was exciting times.

"It's fabulous. The lights are great. They actually have the ability to be dimmed, so if they're training they don't have to run at full energy, so that's an energy saving component to it," she said.

"It also, on game day, for night matches it enhances the safety of the players which is really important too."

While traditionally night games haven't been played at Reid Oval, the new lighting will allow cricket and football associations to hold night-time games. "That's an added bonus," Cr Arnott said.

She said that lighting at Warrnambool's premier sporting facility would be rated at 300 lux, which means that the venue will be capable of hosting night-time football and cricket matches.

"The project was required to deliver 200 lux lighting minimum to allow for night football matches, but in reality, this setup will be able to achieve 300 lux, which means we now have the potential to play cricket games at night too," she said.

"As well as allowing for competitive games at night, the upgrade will greatly improve the safety and comfort of players, officials and spectators.

"The LED lights provide much more even coverage of light across the ground and glare is minimised due to the height of the poles.

"Along with the playing surface and the pavilion, the lighting upgrade is one of the major components of the Reid Oval Redevelopment, helping to re-establish the facility as the region's premier sporting ground."

User groups visited the site on Thursday to check on the progress of the project.

Vice-president of the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association Terry O'Keefe said it was looking forward to being able to use Reid Oval as a showcase venue.

Warrnambool Football Club president Ray Phillips said it was a magnificent facility for the whole of the district.

"We are just so delighted that it is our home ground and our home venue," he said.

"We think it's just going to be a show piece for western Victoria.

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"The council's doing a great job. They've been superb with the way they've dealt with us and the workers themselves have been terrific. They've kept us up to date with everything as we go along. It's been great."

The project is running on time, and while early estimates were for completion in May, it's been revised to be the end of the year.

The council is set to take over maintenance of the grounds in about six weeks, with a new staff member employed to help look after the facility.

Reid Oval is undergoing an $10.7 million makeover which has seen new turf, lighting and changerooms go in.

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