By Matthew Sims
The state government has taken another step towards a new era for the home of the Western Bulldogs Football Club, with the demolition of the old EJ Whitten Stand making way for ongoing redevelopments.
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos visited the site on Saturday, July 16 to inspect progress and announce an extra $8.2 million investment towards the second stage of the oval’s redevelopment.
The works would deliver integrated men’s and women’s football program facilities and a new indoor field to support the club’s training and community programs.
Mr Dimopoulos said the development would be a “game-changer” for the club and its supporters
“We’re upgrading sporting facilities right across the state to ensure greater access and to help level the playing field for all participants,” he said.
The government has already committed $36.6 million for the second stage of the redevelopment.
The work has planned for a new EJ Whitten Stand to be built with improved seating and facilities for spectators, as well as a new function room and administration offices.
Footscray MP Katie Hall said the new facilities would also support the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.
“The club’s Community Foundation has an outstanding record of supporting Melbourne’s western suburbs, including its Daughters of the West, Nallei Jerring and African-Australian GOAL mentoring programs,” she said.
Western Bulldogs Football Club president Kylie Watson-Wheeler said the project would provide the club with a state-of-the-art headquarters for decades to come.
“The government’s financial contributions have enabled us to realise our dream of a reimagined precinct, which will not only give our elite men’s and women’s teams the most cutting-edge facilities in the competition, but a place for the whole community of the west to enjoy,” she said.
“We’re excited to see that demolition has commenced, and we’re looking forward to watching the transformation take place before our eyes.”
