By Alesha Capone
Early works will begin on the future $150 million Wyndham City Stadium in Tarneit next month.
More details have also emerged about plans for the residential and commercial area surrounding the stadium, which is being described as “Victoria’s first sports and recreation driven suburb” by the Western Melbourne Group (WMG).
WMG is parent company of the Western United Football Club, which will be based at the future Sayers Road stadium.
WMG has announced that initial works on the stadium site will start at Leakes Road, around 600 metres west of the Sewells Road intersection, in the week commencing October 25.
A “haul road” will be built to allow construction vehicles to access the site, plus upgrades to Leakes Road.
The stadium precinct’s concept master plan was submitted to the state government in July for approval, with a residential component including townhouses and high and low-density areas.
The plan for the suburb to be built near the stadium includes more than 1000 new homes and over 15 commercial buildings, bordered by Ison Road, Leakes Road and the future Sayers Road extension.
A convention and business centre, with meeting facilities for groups of between four to 400 people, is being proposed as part of the plan.
In addition, the suburb will have shops, restaurants, education campuses, car parking, hotels, health facilities, a sports science centre, entertainment spaces and a 5000-seat elite training facility.
WMG chairman Jason Sourasis said the project “is the first of its kind in our country”.
“In addition to the sporting legacy, our project gives the west of Melbourne a social and economic boost, which is much needed in these challenging times,” he said.
Earlier this month, Wyndham council called on the state government to fast-track construction of the proposed Sayers Road train station, to service the future stadium and suburb.
The state government has previously said it will build the train station, which is expected to be completed by 2027, but has not committed any money to the project.
Cr Mia Shaw said most major stadiums across the world have a train station nearby, which are used by thousands of people every year.
