A milestone in the Western Bulldogs’ proud 145-year history is being marked today, with demolition of the old EJ Whitten Stand making way for a major upgrade of facilities at Whitten Oval, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos visited the site to inspect progress and announce a further $8.2 million investment from the Labor Government into the second stage of the oval’s redevelopment.
The project will deliver integrated men’s and women’s football program facilities and a new indoor field to support the club’s training and community programs.
T Government had already committed $36.6 million for the Stage Two redevelopment to replace ageing facilities and support the growth of the club.
The new EJ Whitten Stand will be built with improved seating and facilities for spectators, along with a new function room, administration offices, and space for the club’s Community Foundation to deliver its programs.
The project will also include broadcast quality sports lighting, the refurbishment of the entry building and museum, and a new match day pavilion with a merchandise shop, food and beverages, first aid room and amenities.
The Footscray site is the home of the Bulldogs, but AFL games stopped being played there in 1997. It has been given a new lease of life in recent years with the return of VFL and hosting VFLW and AFLW games. When the project is complete in early 2024, it will cement Whitten Oval’s status as a premier AFLW training and match day venue.
Stage One of the redevelopment was delivered in 2018 to support the club’s participation in the AFLW competition with female friendly change rooms and umpires’ rooms, and a video scoreboard.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“This development will be a game-changer for the Bulldogs and their supporters, with upgraded facilities for staff, players and spectators.”
“We’re upgrading sporting facilities right across the state to ensure greater access and to help level the playing field for all participants.”
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
“The club’s Community Foundation has an outstanding record of supporting Melbourne’s western suburbs, including its Daughters of the West, Nallei Jerring, and African-Australian GOAL mentoring programs – this project will give the Foundation better facilities to enhance the delivery of its programs.”
As stated by Western Bulldogs President Kylie Watson-Wheeler
“The government’s financial contributions have enabled us to realise our dream of a reimagined precinct, which will not only give our elite men’s and women’s teams the most cutting-edge facilities in the competition, but a place for the whole community of the west to enjoy.”
