The cricket club will relocate to Central Reserve, where it will have exclusive access to two full-sized ovals during the cricket season. The relocation will take place in early 2011.
The move also includes plans for the cricket club to build a state-of-the-art training facility at the venue, with the support of the State Government and the City of Monash.
“This is a fantastic result for all involved,” said Richmond’s president Gary March.
“The Richmond Cricket Club gets an outstanding new facility and the Richmond Football Club will have access to Punt Road Oval 12 months of the year.
“I would like to sincerely thank the Victorian Government, the Premier John Brumby, the Minister for Sport James Merlino and the AFL for their on-going support.
“I would also like to thank the Richmond Cricket Club and the City of Monash. This outcome has been on the agenda for quite some time and it is fantastic that all parties have been able to work co-operatively to see it through and deliver a great outcome for all.
“It was important to us that the Richmond Cricket Club was provided with a home ground and facilities that would allow it to continue to grow.
“Punt Road Oval has been their home since 1856 and, out of respect to that history, it was important this outcome gave them the opportunity to thrive as one of the pre-eminent district cricket clubs in Melbourne.”
March said the move would assist in the football club reaching its long term goals, in line with its strategic vision of the future.
“The board and management of this Club set a clear direction some time ago that we would do all we could to give our team the best chance of competing in what is an increasingly competitive environment,” he said.
“The relocation of the Richmond Cricket Club - together with the soon to be completed Punt Road redevelopment - gives our football team every chance to be the best prepared they can possibly be.”
“This is a most important step forward for Richmond Football Club and one that all our members and supporters can be most pleased about.”
“We wish the cricket club all the best in the move and the Richmond Football Club looks forward to supporting them into the future.”
