Regional football facility approved for development

Wyndham council's director of deals, investments and major projects Kate Roffey, Wyndham Cr Josh Gilligan (who was mayor when this photo was taken) and Chris Frangos, project director for Western Melbourne Group. Photo: Supplied 216038_01

Construction is set to begin on Western United’s new home ground after Wyndham council approved plans for a regional football facility in Tarneit.

The council approved the development plans for the facility which includes the construction of three soccer pitches and a grandstand with a total seating capacity for 5,000 spectators.

The facility will consist of a two-storey building located centrally between the training pitches and stadium pitch.

A pavilion will comprise of a range of training and gym facilities, function and media spaces and will include change rooms, staff facilities, kiosks, public toilets and first aid room.

A concept masterplan for the Wyndham Stadium Precinct was approved in January. That includes a 15,000 capacity stadium, residential, commercial and community facilities.

Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard said large projects such as this are significant for a city like Wyndham. This is the first stage of that development.

“As we continue our COVID recovery, we’re working hard to ensure our local economy bounces back and this project will provide jobs and create a fantastic new community asset,” he said.

“We can now get on with the job of building the training facilities that will be adjacent to the main stadium.”

According to an economic impact assessment, Wyndham council predicts stadium development will employ 835 jobs during the construction process and a further 125 permanent roles once the facility is fully operational.

“We also anticipate that when complete, the Wyndham Stadium development will attract about five million visitors to the Stadium over 20 years, generating non-stadium visitor spending and supporting local business, including those in Riverdale Town Centre,” Cr

Maynard said.

The stadium will be home to Western United, and the main and training turf pitches are set to be occupied by the football club throughout the year.

The proposed development will be completed by May 2023.