With the generous assistance of the Victorian State Government and the Kingston City Council, an integrated sporting and recreational facility will be created to allow enhanced community access to Moorabbin Oval and its surrounding Reserve.
As St Kilda Football Club prepares for its imminent move to its new state of the art training and administration facility, the Linen House Centre at Frankston, the Club will continue to maintain its spiritual links to the local community in the Bayside area, which the Saints have called home since 1964.
With the last official VFL match held at Moorabbin Reserve in 1993, the facilities and grandstands have since become redundant and have provided minimal community benefit.
A new community sports pavilion will enable the Southern Football League, the Moorabbin Saints Junior Football League, TAC team Sandringham Dragons and local schools to play competition football in various forms at Moorabbin Oval.
As part of this initiative, St Kilda Football Club has made a long term undertaking to cement and grow their local schools education program, aided by the Saints playing group.
There will also be a significant upgrade to the visual and streetscape amenity in Linton St to the benefit of all residents in the local area, along with greater community access to the Moorabbin Reserve, with the inclusion of a running/walking track as well as children’s playing facilities.
St Kilda CEO Michael Nettlefold said, “The Saints are moving from Moorabbin, but not leaving the local community.”
“We have strong community ties in the local Kingston City Council and Bayside areas, as well as a 40 year history working with the local community at a grass roots level. Passionate Saints members and supporters in these areas are fundamental to the history of the Club as well as our future.”
“With this in mind, we have made a commitment to continue to provide merchandising, ticketing, member and supporter services at Moorabbin. This will potentially include the development of a Heritage Museum that proudly recognises 137 years of Saints history.”
“The redevelopment is a tremendous outcome for the local community and grass roots football clubs. We are excited about the project as Moorabbin remains a key part of the Club’s long-term strategic vision” Nettlefold added.
Greg Westaway, St Kilda Football Club President, would like to sincerely thank the State Government of Victoria, in particular James Merlino MP Minister for Police, Corrections, Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs and his team, local Member for Bentleigh Rob Hudson and the Kingston City Council and their executive team, headed by CEO John Nevins, for their support and commitment to this outstanding community initiative.
