The lights at Boss James Reserve will be upgraded next year thanks to a State Government grant.
As reported in the Bayside Leader on 21st October, the primary home ground of the Hampton Rovers Football Club is one of three venue within Bayside to receive the funding. Along with Boss James, the Brighton Beach Bowling Club and Simpson Reserve will also share in the $200,000 in funding as part of the Community Facility Funding Program.
The lights at Boss James Reserve have been in place for a few decades and upgraded a couple of times, fully funded by the Hampton Rovers. The north-east light tower was damaged during maintenance works earlier this year and has since been removed, leaving only three towers and a large section of the ground in darkness. Temporary lights were used in the second half of the season at the expense of the club, to cater for the demand needed by four senior teams training.
The new floodlights will be a big improvement on what’s currently in place and while the finer details and installation dates are unknown at this stage, it’s unlikely they’ll be put in for when the 2015 season kicks-off. As more details become known, they’ll be announced on the Rovers website.
At the club’s secondary home ground, Castlefield Reserve, new floodlights were installed prior to the 2013 season allowing for junior teams to train under lights, easing the load at Boss James Reserve. It’s also currently being resurfaced by the Bayside City Council and along with the facility improvements undertaken by the club, will be a great facility for the 2015 season.
