The Essendon Football Club today announced it will call for expressions of interest from local land-holders interested in having the club relocate there and build a new training and community facility.

 

Club chairman David Evans said the board had given approval for the club to seriously begin exploring other location options for a $28 million facility.
 
Watch the David Evans media conference on Bomber.tv by clicking here.
 
""We have explored many options to remain at Windy Hill and now we want to explore options that would be potentially viable for us to leave - we want to see what is out there,"" Evans said.

 

""We are not going to pull back from the 'stay' at Windy Hill option, but we are going to give some real energy to the 'go' option. We want a long-term presence in our region, in our heartland.""

 

Essendon has previously announced it is committed to building a facility that would serve its growing football and community programs for the next 25 years and beyond.

 

The club today detailed four options to build the facility at Windy Hill but admitted all but one - which involves the relocation of cricket and bowls - compromised the club's multi-generational vision.

 
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Two potential alternative locations - at the Showgrounds and Essendon Airport - were also revealed today and the club expects other options to emerge once the expression of interest is posted in the next few days. 

 

""We want to secure the best possible sporting and community hub - that is our focus,"" Evans said.

 

""It's not just about an elite training facility for the football club; that is a core component, but we also want access for the community and to expand our community programs.""

 

Regardless of where the new Essendon facility is built, it will house the Victorian base of the Paralympic Association.

 

Evans said this partnership would play a role in increasing the number of children who visit the club to learn about, and interact with, Essendon footballers and disabled athletes.

 

""We have 5,000 children come through Windy Hill annually - which is at full capacity - but we would like to see 30,000 children visit each year,"" he said.
 
Evans said a final decision on the new facility is expected within months not years.
 
Click here to watch the special personalised Jobe Watson 3 game membership video.
 
Fan Update: Dustin Fletcher and Ashley Prescott will appear at a NSW Essendon Supporter Group function this Saturday Night.

Raffles will be held on the evening with major prizes; a debut jumper will be presented to a past player, there will be a lucky door prize along with food and drinks to purchase. See details below:

Time: 6.30pm
Date: Saturday 5th June 2010
Place: Paddington RSL 220 - 232 Oxford Street PADDINGTON
Price: $15.00
Contact: Please contact Shaun Lawlor (0408 236 176).