By Alesha Capone
The construction of a 15,000-seat stadium in Tarneit is one step closer, after the state government approved a key planning amendment.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne approved an amendment to the Wyndham Planning Scheme to facilitate the development of the privately-funded stadium and associated mixed-use development at 1160 Sayers Road, it was announced on Friday.
The stadium, known as Wyndham City Stadium, will be built in partnership with Wyndham council and The Western Melbourne Group.
The planning scheme amendment allows the development of the land, which is owned by the council.
The stadium will be home to A-League side Western United, and will include a commercial, residential and sports training precinct development.
The next step towards building the stadium will be for Mr Wynne to approve a concept master plan for the site, followed by the final approval and implementation of detailed plans by Wyndham council.
The economic benefits of building the stadium have been calculated to be $147 million to Victoria, through construction activities.
In addition to construction employment, the project will create 125 ongoing full-time jobs.
Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly said: “We are proud to have Western United Football Club based here and the development of the Wyndham Football Stadium will encourage the local community to come and see games and to get involved in sport.”
Western Melbourne Group chairman Jason Sourasis said the state government’s amendment approval was “a huge milestone”.
“The planning approval signals the official start to the project and means construction on the stadium can commence by mid-2021 and should be ready in time for the Women’s World Cup in 2023,” he said.
“We could not have achieved this milestone without the amazing support from Kate Roffey and her team at Wyndham City Council, as well as our state government representatives, in particular, Sarah Connolly.”
Wyndham mayor Adele Hegedich said large projects such as the stadium “are significant for a city like Wyndham”.
“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,” Cr Hegedich said.
