Tigers get green light for Punt Road redevelopment
1:03:10 PM Wed 7 June, 2006
richmondfc.com.au
The Richmond Football Club has received the go-ahead for a $6.5 million redevelopment of Punt Road Oval.
State Premier Steve Bracks and AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou today announced the upgrade as part of the $55 million Victorian AFL Club Facilities Funding Program at a packed media conference in the Punt Road Social Club.
Richmond’s CEO Steven Wright said the funding was a huge boost and would provide improved facilities for the Club’s training, football administration and social activities.
"This is fantastic news. We would like to acknowledge the great support we have received from the Bracks Government, the City of Melbourne and the AFL,” Wright said.
“Punt Road has been the home of the Richmond Football Club for more than 120 years, and it's a very special place to Tiger fans.
“The new training facilities for our players will enable us to compete on an even keel with the interstate clubs.
“Our members, supporters and the local community will also be able to utilise and enjoy the new Social Club and community rooms at Punt Road."
The State Government is contributing $2 million towards the Punt Road redevelopment, with the City of Melbourne also providing $2 million (subject to budget process) and the AFL $1.5 million. Richmond will fund the extra $1 million needed to complete the project.
The upgrade of Punt Road Oval includes:
• Demolishing the existing Social Club building and developing a new, integrated football administration and training facility, with a gymnasium and supporting player facilities; lecture theatre; improved toilet and change-room facilities to support the current indoor swimming pool.
• Reinstating the Jack Dyer Stand to its former historical form.
• Developing a new RFC Museum and Hall of Fame on ground level.
• Developing new change-rooms for the Richmond Cricket Club and community football played at the ground.
• Developing new offices for community groups.
• Developing a new building on the eastern side of the Jack Dyer Stand with a community function room; RFC Social Club facility; sports medicine suites, ground level car-park.
Mr Bracks said the State Government was delighted to contribute $14 million to the approximately $55 million program to upgrade grounds and facilities for seven Melbourne-based AFL clubs.
“This program will transform existing facilities into multi-purpose sport and recreation venues suitable for a range of community activities,” Mr Bracks said.
“It will improve the performance of our AFL clubs and offer more opportunities for the clubs to connect with the community.
“The program will be used to upgrade training facilities and administration offices, and provide new meeting spaces, function rooms and recreational facilities for local community groups.
Mr Demetriou said the AFL’s $10.3 million contribution towards the program over three years would ensure Victorian AFL clubs had facilities to match the professionalism and strength of Australia’s number one sport and enable all Melbourne-based clubs to compete with facilities of the non-Victorian clubs.
“This will improve the on-field performance, but, importantly, it will also improve the connection between the Richmond Football Club and the local community and continue to build Richmond as a major participant in the economic and social fabric of Victoria,” Mr Demetriou said.
The Minister for Sport and Recreation, Justin Madden, said the Victorian AFL Club Facilities Funding Program was a great example of a successful partnership between governments, sports bodies and communities working to increase sport and recreation opportunities for all Victorians.
“This program was developed in partnership with clubs and local councils to ensure it meets community needs,” Mr Madden said.
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