Tara Murray
The Essendon Football Club has revealed a bold new vision for the redevelopment of the iconic Windy Hill precinct.
The plans focus on the provision of increased community access at the precinct, new recreational space, parklands and purpose-built facilities to enhance sport participation in the region.
Under the plans, the ground would become the new home for Essendon’s female football program and the match-day home for Essendon’s AFLW, VFLW and VFL teams.
There would be a new multi-purpose community sports centre along with refurbished grandstands, new oval lighting, scoreboard, four unisex change rooms and public café facilities.
The first stage is set to get underway next year.
The ground has been identified as a key priority in Moonee Valley council’s adopted draft advocacy strategy.
The vision has been developed in consultation with a range of stakeholders including the Moonee Valley council, the Essendon District Football League, Essendon cricket and bowls clubs, the AFL, and both state and federal governments
As part of the plans the bowls and cricket clubs would be relocated to upgraded sites within the municipality.
Essendon president Paul Brasher said the club was determined to ensure the vision for Windy Hill delivers a sustainable outcome for the entire community and future generations.
“At the forefront of our thinking is delivering vastly greater benefits and access for the community than is possible at Windy Hill today,” he said.
“We are committed to ensuring the people of Moonee Valley feel connected to the precinct, and that the site is used on a far more regular basis than it is now.
“And, of course, we aspire to deliver a premium venue for girls and women’s football that is unmatched in our state.”
The upgrades are set to benefit the EDFL, which is based at the ground.
There is set to be increased training and playing capacity for community football, while improved administration offices for the league.
EDFL chairman Bernie Shinners said the league is committed to working constructively with the football club and other major stakeholders on the exciting plans for the rejuvenation of the Windy Hill site.
“As a rapidly expanding community-based football league covering a significant area of the north-west metro region of Melbourne, the EDFL has a longstanding connection to both the EFC and Windy Hill.
“Through this successful partnership, and with the prospect of further investment, the EDFL is committed and excited by the prospect of bringing additional community football (particularly the expanding female football) to Windy Hill given the site’s iconic status within the football community.
“This would enable increased use of the grounds for all our clubs, particularly as a flagship match-day facility, across all age groups and genders.
“This increase in capacity and facilities would have the added benefit of reducing the strain on existing ovals across the community, as well as providing enhanced facilities for some of our affiliated groups such as the umpiring and coaching cohorts who utilise Windy Hill as a base.
“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime development opportunity for community football in the north-west region of Melbourne.”
