A $2.4 MILLION land buy-up in Beaconsfield should dramatically ease the squeeze on junior sporting clubs crying out for more playing space.

Cardinia Shire Council announced on Monday it had bought 12 hectares of land at the corner of Holm Park Road and Beaconsfield-Emerald Road.

The purchase, ending negotiations lasting several months, represents one of the biggest swoops by council on land earmarked as vital to the area’s future growth.

With junior football and other sporting clubs already bursting at the seams, the Holm Park precinct will become a home for competitive sport and recreational play.

Central Ward councillor Brett Owen said he was excited about the purchase and the prospects it offered for Cardinia’s sporting community and young people.

“There is a real need for additional sporting reserves in Beaconsfield,” he said.

“The number of junior and senior participants has increased dramatically in recent times and will continue to do so with future growth. This project is a recreation priority for the growth corridor.”

A potential layout plan, developed for the site in 2005, will form the basis of community consultation to develop a detailed master plan for the area.

Council has allocated $174,000 in the 2007-08 budget to start work on the master plan. Further funding over the next five years is expected to top $3.4 million.

“We will be considering a wide range of sporting options, including netball courts, playing fields for cricket, football, soccer and associated pavilions, tennis courts, family play space area, walking paths and a skate park,” Cr Owen said.

“Council is keen to meet as diverse a range of recreational options as possible and will be working with the community to ensure whatever plans are developed meet both active and passive recreation needs.”

The land purchase has already been welcomed by sporting clubs, including the Beaconsfield Junior Football Club (BJFC).

Twelve months ago, club officials were calling for action over the lack of facilities with 400 keen young footballers having just one oval to call home.

The club even had to cap membership to rein in numbers.

BJFC president Debbie McManus said the situation had already improved thanks to improvements at the Upper Beaconsfield oval and development of the O’Neil Road recreation reserve for junior sport.

The latest purchase was icing on top of the cake, she said.

The council in 2005 adopted a strategy that recommended a massive investment in sport and recreation over the next 25 years.

Cr Owen said the council would also be seeking support from State and Federal Governments to assist with the development of the Holm Park Road site.