The world’s biggest kennel redevelopment – the rebuilding of the Western Bulldogs’ training base at the Whitten Oval – is on track to deliver a centre of sporting excellence to the club and surrounding community, Minister for Sport and Recreation James Merlino said today.

Joined on a site tour by Bulldogs stars Brad Johnson and Lindsay Gilbee, Mr Merlino said the Whitten Oval redevelopment would create a centre of sporting excellence in Melbourne’s western region.

“The project will open up community access to the facility as well as provide a state-of-the-art home for the Western Bulldogs with facilities comparable to those enjoyed by rival clubs from interstate,” said Minister Merlino.

Mr Merlino said the Bracks Government has committed $3 million to the development through the Community Support Fund, with other sources of funding coming from the Australian Government, the City of Maribyrnong, the AFL and the Forever Foundation.

The project includes an Elite Learning Centre with sports science laboratories; football training and recovery amenities, administration and retail facilities; community facilities including function rooms and cafes; indoor sports facilities and improved parkland.

“Importantly for women’s sport, this redevelopment will also provide a dedicated home ground for the Victorian Women’s Football League,” Mr Merlino said. 

Chief Executive of the Western Bulldogs, Campbell Rose, said it was exciting to see the first stage of construction underway at Whitten Oval.

“Construction on the Elite Learning Centre and the four storey community and administration building and parkland has begun and the progress is fantastic,” Mr Rose said. 

“This first stage of construction represents an exciting time for the Western Bulldogs and the entire western region.”

The Whitten Oval redevelopment is expected to be completed in 2008.