THE WESTERN Bulldogs have unveiled plans for a large new entertainment centre in Maribyrnong, in Melbourne’s inner west.

The centre, which is subject to planning approval by Maribyrnong City Council and the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation, will feature 59 four-star hotel rooms, a function centre for 300 people, a restaurant, bar, cafe and poker machines, which the club intends to relocate from Whitten Oval.

To be called the Edgewater Club, the complex is earmarked for a plot of vacant land 4km from the Bulldogs’ home at Whitten Oval.

The Dogs would enjoy revenue from the centre’s accommodation and conference facilities, and its gaming machines, which the club stresses it intends to use responsibly.

“Western Bulldogs acknowledge the community concerns with problem gambling, particularly in lower socio-demographic areas as part of this proposal,” said club board member Neil O’Keefe.

The club says it ploughs all gaming revenue into its community arm, SpiritWest Services, which generates $1.1 million annually.

“No other club in any competition can boast this level of commitment to its community,” O’Keefe said. “This is why we proudly promote ourselves as the community club of the AFL.”

O’Keefe said the centre would be a valuable boost to Melbourne’s traditionally poorer western suburbs.

“We’ve jokingly called it the Bulldog Hilton, but this is more like a four-star facility akin to a Quest or Medina apartments,” O’Keefe told the Herald Sun.

The Edgewater complex is slated for completion in late 2009.