The Essendon Football Club master-plan for Windy Hill remains on-track following a favorable ruling by Moonee Valley City Council for the relocation of the local cricket club from Windy Hill to near-by Fairbairn Park.
Essendon CEO Ian Robson said the Bombers’ No.1 off-field priority for 2010 and beyond is securing funding to turn Windy Hill into a significant sporting and community hub featuring a multi-million dollar high performance centre within three years.
He said having year-round access to the oval – which is currently not possible - is a crucial feature of the plan and that council’s decision would enshrine the club at Windy Hill.
“We believe this is the right decision and in the best interest of the wider community, the Essendon Football Club and the Essendon Cricket Club,” Robson said.
“It will deliver better amenities at Fairbairn Park, a positive outcome for the Essendon Cricket Club and help secure the long term future of the Bombers in the local area.
“We understand there has been opposition to the move to Fairbairn Park by some members of the local community and we are committed to working with local residents to address any remaining concerns and achieve a result that is acceptable for everyone.
“We expect that enough work will have been completed to start the relocation process during the next cricket season. The simple fact is that it is not a workable situation to have a cricket club sharing the same oval as an AFL club – the council’s decision will allow Essendon to better run its operation at Windy Hill.”
Robson said the planned state-of-the-art Windy Hill development would see an elite training facility built to assist the players reach their full potential. The existing football facilities would be turned into a community centre where the club can expand its current programs.
Essendon has met with representatives from Federal Government, State Government, Moonee Valley City Council, AFL and community groups to discuss the project which would also accommodate the Victorian headquarters of the Australian Paralympic Committee.
Robson said the planned redevelopment would also require a suitable home to be found for the Essendon Bowls Club.
