OBJECTIONS against the redevelopment of Moorabbin Reserve have been dropped and the $28.4 million project will begin soon ahead of St Kilda Football Club’s move back to its “spiritual home”.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal had agreed late last year to hear an appeal arguing the demolition and rebuilding of the Linton St premises would mean the club may have to reapply for a licence for its 83 pokies machines at the venue.
Objections to the proposal have now been dropped.
Kingston mayor Cr David Eden said council is pleased to contribute about $4 million of ratepayers’ money to the Moorabbin Reserve redevelopment.
“In addition to the new building works, Council is also investing $1 million to upgrade the surrounding parkland,” Cr Eden said.
The redeveloped oval and facilities will host training sessions for Auskick juniors, Saints AFL players, the Southern Football Netball league, the South Metro Junior Football League, Sandringham Dragons and AFL Victoria.
An indoor court for basketball and netball training will be built as part of the redevelopment.
Stage one of the project is expected to be complete before the 2017-18 AFL season.
St Kilda FC president Peter Summers said the club is looking forward to a return to its heartland.
“We want the revitalised Moorabbin Reserve to be a true football and community hub and we’re thrilled to take another step forward with the project.”
The AFL club moved its administration and training base from Moorabbin to Seaford after an acrimonious departure in 2007 over a dispute with Kingston Council about the number of gaming machines at Moorabbin.
The $28.4 million redevelopment is being funded by Kingston ratepayers via Kingston Council ($5 million), taxpayers via the Labor state government ($8 million), the AFL ($5 million) and the club itself ($5 million).
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 1 March 2017