Construction at the Liverpool Road sporting institution, home to more than 15,000 members, is about to begin, with Sports Minister and Monbulk MP James Merlino having turned the ceremonial first sod.

The major redevelopment, expected to be completed by July 14, will include two multipurpose courts, primarily used for basketball and netball.

"There's not a lot of space and a lot of competition vying for that space. We really needed to get a couple of extra courts to maximise this facility," Mr Merlino said.

Since the centre opened about 30 years ago, the Kilsyth Mountain District Basketball Association has grown into the largest basketball association in Australia.

Association general manager Grant Wallace said the dual-purpose basketball and netball courts were great for the domestic competition, from under-7s to veterans.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Len Cox said the Kilsyth Sports Centre, once a burden on the council for costing too much money to run, was now one of the best facilities in the shire.

"It's extraordinary. No other facility in the shire has this amount of use. This is one of our best sporting facilities."

Political differences aside, Kilsyth Liberal MP David Hodgett, who is a joint Kilsyth Cobras No.1 ticket holder with Mr Merlino, is delighted to have played a part in securing the upgrade for the sporting precinct.

"This is a huge win for grassroots sport in the local area, and is a credit to all parties involved in making it happen."

Funding for redevelopment is split three ways, with the Kilsyth Sports Centre chipping in $1.5 million, the State Government $500,000 and Yarra Ranges Council $600,000.