The Victorian Government has announced $100,000 in funding for a feasibility review and development of a business case for a proposed 15,000 seat boutique Dandenong stadium.
The City of Greater Dandenong has already pledged to match the contribution from the Andrews State Government for a total of $200,000, and will lead the project.
Cranbourne Star News reported earlier in the week that the Greater Dandenong Council was lobbying for $110 million to build a 15,000 seat stadium in the South East to host Melbourne City games in the future.
Along with a rectangular playing field and stadium, the project would include facilities for education, training, community outreach programs, and conferences. The funding will contribute towards identifying the scope and cost of the project, as well as ownership and management options.
The money for the feasibility review and development of the business case is being funded from the Labor Government’s ongoing Revitalising Central Dandenong initiative.
Minister for Tourism, Sport, and major Events, Martin Pakula, explained that the announced funding was the first step in making a boutique stadium in Dandenong a reality.
“The development of a feasibility review and business case is an important step for the proposed Dandenong rectangular stadium,” he said.
“All stakeholders need to have full information at their disposal and that’s what this work will provide.”
Head of Government Relations & Facilities at Football Victoria, Sebastian Hassett, tweeted his support of the plan.
“The big football vision for Melbourne’s south-east is really taking shape now,” he wrote.
“The corridor between Caulfield, Cranbourne & Pakenham has an insatiable appetite for football. A stadium to call their own would be a game-changer.”
Local member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams believes that Melbourne City’s relocation to the Dandenong area was a key reason for the development of the plan.
“Sport is booming in our local region, as evidenced by Melbourne City’s relocation to the southeast. It’s fantastic that we are moving to the feasibility review stage for the very exciting Dandenong stadium proposal,” she said.
The Victorian Government has announced a number of funding initiatives for football specific infrastructure this year, including funding for upgrades to National Premier League grounds and regional soccer fields.
