Western Melbourne Group is one step closer to delivering Wyndham City Stadium after State Planning Minister Richard Wynne today approved a key planning amendment.
The planning approval allows detailed design of the stadium and development to be finalised and construction timelines to be determined.
Wyndham City Stadium is set to be the home of Western United Football Club, the A-League team representing the people of Melbourne and Victoria’s west.
The development will be the first major sports stadium owned by a professional football club in Australia.
The stadium will be the centrepiece of a broader development that links sports, commercial and residential precincts.
The development, being undertaken by Western Melbourne Group and Wyndham City Council, will turn approximately 70ha of land in Tarneit into a mixed-use precinct comprising of sport, entertainment, commercial, residential and community uses.
“Today’s announcement is a huge milestone and is a significant step towards the vision for a world class sport, entertainment, business and living precinct within Melbourne’s West,” said Western Melbourne Group Chairman, Jason Sourasis.
“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.
“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.
“Finally, we would like to thank our passionate and dedicated supporters. The football family and the community of the west have been behind us since day one and their belief and energy have truly been felt throughout this whole project,” concluded Sourasis.
Wyndham City Mayor, Cr Adele Hegedich, said the stadium and training facility will provide widespread infrastructure, economic and community benefits to Wyndham and beyond.
“This is an exciting project for Wyndham,” Cr Hegedich said. “The planning approval means we can now get on with the job and start preparing to construct the main stadium and elite sports training facility.
“Large projects such as this 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.”
Australian Professional Leagues (APL) Commissioner, Greg O’Rourke, also welcomed the news of planning approval.
“The construction of a purpose-built stadium was a key part of Western United’s long-term vision for the football club, and today’s announcement marks an important milestone in realising that vision.
“Stadiums play a big part in creating the unique atmosphere that the Australian Professional Leagues are known for, and we are all looking forward to seeing this project progress.”
Western United Football Club is in its second year in the A-League, with their inaugural season in 2020 seeing them reach the preliminary finals.
The club have also partnered with women’s Calder United Soccer Club and have signalled their intention to field a W-League team in the 2021/2022 season.
The junior pathways of the club have also developed with the creation of two National Premier League sides set to join the competition this year.
If you want to be part of the Western United family, memberships are on sale now for as little as $37. Join the family here.
The A-League season continues for Western United as they take on Perth Glory this Saturday at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong. Get your tickets to the match here.
