A $7.2 million upgrade of Victoria Park in Abbotsford - the former home of the Collingwood Football Club - will transform the iconic park into a community recreation space.
Minister for Infrastructure Anthony Albanese and Federal Member for Melbourne, Lindsay Tanner said the Rudd Government would provide $3.5 million for the redevelopment.
Yarra City Council owns the site and will contribute the remainder of the funding for the redevelopment.
Lindsay Tanner said: “This redevelopment will see Victoria Park transformed from what is currently a facility largely unfit for community use into a top class sporting facility for local clubs and a recreation space for the local community.
“This will also be a significant project for the Collingwood Football Club and its fans, rejuvenating the ground that is part of their lifeblood and history.”
“The iconic Victoria Park will again become a major asset for the inner-city residents in the local area and importantly, the redevelopment project will also support around 50 jobs during construction.”
The project, which is being managed by the Yarra City Council is expected to include:
• Refurbishment of the Sherrin, Ryder and Bob Rose Stands;
• Upgrades to landscaping, paving, heritage areas, amenities, disabled access and oval floodlighting; and
• Environmentally sustainable initiatives, such as connecting an irrigation system to water harvesting on all paved areas and buildings, native landscape designs, support for cycling and using local materials.
Jane Garrett, Mayor of the City of Yarra thanked the Federal Government’s for its contribution and said she was looking forward to making the vision of Victoria Park into a reality.
Cr Garrett said: "What was going to take a decade to achieve will now be completed by the end of next year. This is such a gift to the local community and shows what can be delivered with strong partnerships."
Eddie McGuire, President of the Collingwood Football Club said: “I would like to congratulate the Federal Government and City of Yarra for their foresight and support for the redevelopment of Victoria Park. The Collingwood Football Club is absolutely delighted to be a partner in the team reviving our traditional home and one of Australia’s most famous sporting stadiums. Collingwood has returned to play VFL games at Victoria Park and we are excited about the opportunity this affords us to give back to the local community and bring this iconic stadium back to life.”
Anthony Albanese, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government said the Federal Government’s funding was part of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.
Mr Albanese said: “Across Australia, we are building and modernising community facilities, including town halls, libraries, community centres and sports grounds.
“The Rudd Government is partnering with local governments across Australia to support local economies while building community infrastructure for the future.”
