Warrnambool councillors label Reid Oval design flaw a 'huge mistake'

Cr Angie Paspaliaris raised the issue at Monday night's council meeting and said while the $11 million Reid Oval redevelopment was nearing completion, she was concerned by the design of the grandstand because it did not account for spectators standing on the top level and it blocked the scorers' windows and view of coaches.

"The area is to be roped off on match days and I think this is a poor design in my opinion," Cr Paspaliaris said.

Cr Vicki Jellie also described the design of the Reid Oval as "a negative".

"It just was not looked at properly and it's a pity it can't be changed now," she said.

"I think it was a huge mistake with the design."

Mayor Richard Ziegeler said there was a "significant" design issue with Reid Oval grandstand space. "It's a terrible disappointment," Cr Ziegeler said. "We'll just have to try and be creative and work around that."

He said the balcony area would be out of bounds for spectators during games because it would block the view of coaches.

Cr Ziegeler said it was an oversight in the design of the facility that was first noticed by the councillors who were now bringing attention to the issue.

The Reid Oval redevelopment is almost complete with the first game of cricket set to be played on the new turf on January 1.

The revamp includes a completely new playing surface with a clay cricket wicket, a modern two-storey pavilion and better training facilities including multi-purpose cricket nets and a training oval to the north-east of the main ground.

A lighting upgrade will also allow for games to be played at night for the first time.

The long-awaited revamp of the facility was touted as reestablishing Reid Oval as the jewel in the city's sporting crown.

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