ESSENDON'S move to its new Melbourne Airport base has received a blow, with the Victorian Government knocking back the club's submission for funding.
 
The Bombers had hoped to gain up to $6million of funding for their community centre but have failed, leaving chairman David Evans to admit that component of the project would not go ahead.
 
"Can I assure everyone connected with our great club that we will still deliver the high performance centre for the Essendon Football Club and the Australian Paralympic Committee," Evans said in an open letter to members on essendonfc.com.au.
 
"My aim, together with chief executive Ian Robson and the club's board, is to have our new headquarters delivered on time, on budget and with a minimum amount of debt.
 
"However, as the State Government funding was in part earmarked for the community sports and learning academy, this component of the project will not be able to be completed at this time."

Essendon's fundraising efforts have been slower than expected since kicking off its 'Flight Plan' in August last year.
 
Evans admitted the club faced a challenge to proceed with the project without debt, but said his family would be tipping in more money to the cause.
 
"In light of this news, we still have a significant fundraising challenge ahead of us," Evans said.
 
"As a result, the Evans family will be making a further financial commitment to this critical project as we believe so strongly in the Essendon Football Club and what it continues to do for future generations of Australians."
 
Essendon hopes to begin training at the centre before the start of the 2013 season.
 
Callum Twomey is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.