HAWTHORN has identified a site in Dingley as a potential home and made a conditional offer to purchase the land, which it plans to use for a state-of-the-art football base.
The Hawks, who have concluded their Waverley Park base has significant restrictions, now have 18 months to conduct more research on the 28-hectare site before purchasing it for between $7-8 million.
If it doesn't suit the Hawks after that period they are under no obligation to purchase the site, which is 13km south of Waverley Park, and about a 20-minute drive.
The parcel of land is big enough to accommodate five MCG-sized ovals, as well as all the necessary infrastructure, including buildings and car parking.
Hawthorn has been based at Waverley Park since 2006 and has been conducting a feasibility study into the future of its home for the past three years.
President Andrew Newbold wrote to members on Tuesday to inform them of the move and said the Dingley site, off Tootal Road, north of Old Dandenong Road, had been identified after exploring a short list of up to 20 locations through Melbourne’s south-east.
"This decision has been made following an extensive process that has included consultation with the board, leadership group, coaching and management staff; an overseas study tour and the investigation of potential alternative sites," Newbold wrote.
The Hawks believe they have rapidly fallen behind rival clubs who have developed state-of-the-art facilities and the club required a base that would allow for the development of "a world-class training and administrative facility".
The club is also keen to provide greater prospects for member interaction, community engagement and future expansion.
Newbold stressed the project was in the "exploration phase" and any potential development could take five to 10 years.
"The three-year feasibility study concluded that Waverley Park now has a number of limitations, which will restrict any future expansion, growth and development," Newbold said.
"Our key vision, to be the destination club, is one of the main objectives within our strategic plan and this means providing world-class training and administration facilities to attract the best players, coaches and staff."
Hawthorn first explored alternative venues in 2013 when it started searching for a second ground to conduct closed training sessions on away from the eyes of opposition scouts.
At that point it was eyeing Wantirna Reserve in Melbourne's east as a possible site for a development involving a partnership with the Eastern Football League and AFL Victoria.
The Hawks have since announced two straight net operating profits in excess of $3 million.
Approximate location of the Hawks' proposed site in Dingley. Picture: Google Maps/Hawthorn FC
