Sports Resources > Latest sports news > February 2009 > 24/02/2009 - CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON $15M ARDEN STREET REDEVELOPMENT

24/02/2009 - CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON $15M ARDEN STREET REDEVELOPMENT

Construction of North Melbourne’s new $15 million Arden Street Oval Redevelopment project is underway, heralding a new era of sport and community facilities for the region.

Sports Minister James Merlino said the redevelopment will provide new training and administration facilities for the North Melbourne Football Club, and will also house the new State Fencing Centre, a community gymnasium, sports hall and life and learning centre.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to build stronger communities and that’s why we are investing $5.7 million in this significant project for North Melbourne,” Mr Merlino said.

“The redevelopment will ensure the long-term sustainability of the Kangaroos with state-of-the-art training and administration facilities for the players and coaching staff as well as becoming the new home of the State Fencing Centre.

“But the benefits of this project will be felt right across the community and local families will enjoy the benefits of a new gymnasium and changing facilities, a sports hall, and a learning and life centre, where programs for migrant communities and schools will be delivered.”

Member for Melbourne and Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said the redevelopment would provide a major boost in community facilities for local families.

“Education is a vital task the community can contribute to and it’s great to see North Melbourne Football Club taking up the challenge to assist young people in our community,” Ms Pike said.

Turning the first sod with North Melbourne Chairman James Brayshaw, captain Brent Harvey and City of Melbourne CEO Kathy Alexander, Ms Pike said the facility will provide a real boost for elite sport and fantastic hub where the community can keep active.

The project has been funded by the Victorian and Federal Governments, City of Melbourne, North Melbourne Football Club, AFL, Fencing Victoria and the Scanlon Foundation.

North Melbourne Chairman James Brayshaw said the facility would signal a new era for the club.

“This redevelopment has been a long time coming, and thanks to the support of our partners it has finally become a reality,” Mr Brayshaw said.

“This will be an elite facility for North Melbourne, and it is a tangible sign that we’re committed to engaging our supporters and the community in our traditional home at Arden Street”.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said that Melbourne is the sports capital of Australia and a major part of this reputation is generated by the Australian Football League and its Melbourne based Clubs.

"North Melbourne's magnificent complex will provide exceptional state of the art football facilities, and also include an emphasis on the community with an objective being that the general public will have greater access to sporting and recreational facilities within the redevelopment, thus supporting Council's Active Melbourne strategy," Cr Doyle said.