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An historic day for Carlton as the demolition of the Heatley and Harris Stands begins
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CARLTON kicked an important goal off the field on Wednesday with the start of demolition works on the Heatley and Harris Stands, marking the next phase of the redevelopment of Princes Park.

Interim president Stephen Kernahan and Victorian Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino were on hand to witness the first bricks come down and the former Blues’ champion admitted to some mixed feelings.

“I was just saying to the Minister ‘if only these walls could talk…’ There’s been a bit go on behind those walls after matches and on Sunday mornings; all good times,” Kernahan said.

“It’s a bit sad and I know a lot of supporters might be a bit flat, but it is about the future and we have to move with the times. Some of the AFL clubs out there have got outstanding facilities and we’re well behind.

“It’s going to be an outstanding facility. I’ve seen the plans of what they want to do and it’s going to be great. I haven’t seen all the other club facilities, I’ve seen the Adelaide one and the Eagles in Perth, but this will be fantastic and let’s hope we can knock all of them off.”

The $15.7 million redevelopment will feature a new gym, club administration offices, aquatic rehabilitation facilities, a lecture theatre and café that will benefit both the Blues and the local community.

The Victorian Government has contributed $4.3 million of the total cost of the project with the balance made up of contributions from the Melbourne City Council, the AFL and the club.

“The Brumby Government understands that supporting grassroots and elite sport is one of the keys to building stronger and more livable communities across the state,” Merlino said of the Government’s involvement. 

“The funding is part of a Brumby Government program to improve suburban football grounds into multi-purpose venues suitable for a range of community activities.”