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A new gym at Chittick Park is expected to be completed within 16 months in the first stage of the ambitious plan to redevelop the area. The Victorian Government will put in $500000 and Mitchell Shire Council the rest in the $800000 project, part of the Chittick Park Masterplan.

Along with a new multi-purpose building, including the gym, in front of the aquatic centre, the car park area will be improved, picnic tables, park benches and pathways built and established trees planted.

The project is expected to be completed by June next year. The masterplan was first flagged in 2010.

State Member for Seymour Cindy McLeish said the project was ‘‘a great opportunity’’ to make sure the facility was better used.

‘‘It’s a great space,’’ she said.

‘‘It’s a big space. When people see these things here they’ll use these facilities more ... when you look at this you think ‘what can Chittick Park become’.

‘‘It’s under-utilised, it’s tired and it offers so much more opportunity.’’

Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Melbourne said it was ‘‘critical’’ for the right infrastructure to be put in place for Seymour to realise its potential.

‘‘This project will take a strategic approach,’’ Cr Melbourne said.

‘‘The project aims to improve connectivity to this area. This would separate residents and user groups accessing the leisure facility and shopping districts, all without using vehicles. (It will be a) multi-purpose space ... (and) will have low operating costs.’’

Council chief executive Rebecca McKenzie said the redevelopment came on top of the refurbishment of rooms into meeting areas and a relocatable building near the Royals Cricket Club rooms which will also be used as a meeting area.

‘‘Council is very clear that we want something better for Seymour,’’ Ms McKenzie said.

‘‘This is a great opportunity for us to kick off something wonderful ... that’s not only fit for purpose but that meets community needs, that gives us something to be proud of.’’