The Western Melbourne Group (WMG) has revealed its major partners for the $2 billion project that will become Australia’s first sport and recreation focused suburb.
WMG and Western United FC Executive Chairman, Jason Sourasis, made the announcement via the club’s website last Friday, revealing Victorian property developer YourLand Developments and global building technology firm Johnson Controls as its major project partners.
Johnson Controls are a world leader in building sustainability and technology, and will provide valuable input to the sporting infrastructure of the development, which includes Australia’s first privately-owned, football-specific stadium.
They will also assist in the expansion of United’s current football facilities, including 3 FIFA Pro outdoor playing surfaces and a 5,000 capacity second stadium.
“We’re absolutely delighted to work alongside some of the leading Australian and international property partners for this ground-breaking project, which will deliver both economic and social benefits to Melbourne’s West and, more broadly, the state of Victoria,” Sourasis said via press release.
Ali Badreddine, Vice-president and head of Project Delivery and Sustainable Infrastructure for Johnson Controls – Asia Pacific, is confident the company will deliver the long-held aspirations of Western United.
“At Johnson Controls, we have a legacy of nearly 140 years of innovation, technology, and energy efficiency. We are proud to be a technology leader with deep experience in the sports and entertainment sector, providing enhanced safety, improved sustainability, and more connected experiences for fans and athletes,” he added in a statement.
“We look forward to working with Western Melbourne Group and other valued partners to deliver sustainable development through our integrated solutions.”
The second major partner announced, YourLand Developments, has delivered several residential projects and redevelopments across the state of Victoria.
It is expected to take the lead on the project’s residential plans in conjunction with the Wyndham City Council, aiming to provide over 900 residential dwellings and recreation focused wetlands.
Sourasis believes its affiliation with the property developer is a no-brainer.
“YourLand Developments’ experience in creating sustainable communities, where people aspire to live and work, aligns perfectly to the values of our region and was therefore a natural partner,” he added via press release.
“YourLand has a proud legacy in Melbourne’s west, delivering over 2,500 lots as well as town centres, parks, open spaces and wetlands, in addition to commercial assets.”
YourLand Developments Chief Operating Officer Dean Gold considers the company as the best fit for the community-building aspect of the project.
“YourLand Developments has a proud history of successful development in the western suburbs of Melbourne, delivering places and communities with real substance and integrity that are designed to leave a positive and enduring legacy. YourLand’s team of highly skilled professionals have the experience and passion to take this project from vision to reality,” he added in a statement.
Returning to its focus on sport and recreation, WMG plans to include a high-performance district within the mixed-use suburb that Western United’s official gym partner, VERVE Fitness, will help to develop.
The club is currently in a four-year collaboration with the Australian-owned company, who provide the club with state-of-the-art gym facilities that aid the development of its A-Leagues and football academy players.
VERVE CEO Niall Wogan explained it will make a valuable contribution to WMG’s desire for a high-performance district.
“Our sponsorship of Western United Football Club marks a commitment to not only fostering athletic excellence but also championing the development of the precinct area, where our facilities will serve as a vibrant hub for the entire Wyndham community,” he said via media release.
“Together, we aim to build a legacy of health, unity, and shared victories that resonate far beyond the pitch.”
The entire project is forecast for completion by 2034 and will play a huge role in football’s expansion both locally and nationally. Executive Chairman Sourasis summated the importance of the plan.
“This is truly the most exciting project in Melbourne’s sporting landscape and will create only the second A-League broadcast compliant, rectangular stadium in the State. As one of the newest football teams in the Australian domestic league, creating a welcoming and safe space for our fans is our top priority and this project will set our club up for the long-term,” he added in a statement.
The investment in football infrastructure and community development by Western United should inspire its competitors to make similar headway, and capture the sport’s current boom following the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
