Launch of new facilities at Visy Park
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Check out the New Facilities at Visy Park
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Carlton’s new $19.5 million home at Visy Park was officially opened by Victorian Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs, James Merlino, and City of Melbourne Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle, this evening.
Carlton President Stephen Kernahan invited Mr Merlino and Mr Doyle to unveil the plaque as part of the opening festivities at Visy Park in front of 300 guests.
“We are sincerely grateful for the support we have received from our funding partners in making this a reality; the Federal Government, the State Government, City of Melbourne and the AFL,” said Stephen Kernahan.
“We also thank the many Carlton supporters who have made contributions through the Blue Believer program, in particular the Platinum Blue Believers who have made significant contributions to enable this facility to become a reality. This is important for the future of the Carlton Football Club.
“This is one of the most significant occasions in our long and proud history. It is a very exciting time for everyone at Carlton, in particular for the players who will benefit from the outstanding facilities now at their disposal.
“These new facilities will benefit everyone; players, coaches, administrators, members, supporters and the community. Importantly Visy Park will also benefit the environment.”
The state of the art development incorporates environmental solutions displaying the best practice in sustainability as well as an environmental education centre that will be the showcase for the community programs run by the Carlton Football Club.
“The opening of the magnificent new facilities here at Visy Park, combined with the environmental and community benefits provide a wonderful legacy to our former President, Richard Pratt, whose vision for the Carlton Football Club and this venue has enabled this to become a reality,” Kernahan said.
Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs, James Merlino said sport played an important role in the community and this project was a great example of helping to build more liveable Victorian communities.
“The Brumby Labor Government understands that supporting grassroots and elite sport is one of the keys to building stronger and more liveable communities across the state.
“That is why we’re investing $4.3 million for this fantastic new facility, featuring a new gym, aquatic rehabilitation facilities and offices for players and administrators."
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said that the AFL contributed significantly to Melbourne’s status as the sports capital of Australia. He added that the City of Melbourne saw the value of investing in the development and maintenance of football facilities for the community.
“This new complex plays a fundamental role in Council’s strategy for an active Melbourne, providing Melbourne’s community with vital access to sporting and recreational facilities,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We’re keen to work with the private and voluntary sectors to make available appropriately equipped and maintained services which will improve our community’s health and wellbeing.”
“We have also provided $2 million to North Melbourne Football Club’s Arden Street Oval development and $2 million to Richmond Football Club’s Punt Road Oval development and this new complex is entirely in line with those.”
Work on the redevelopment commenced in 2008 and one of the key aims of the project was to create a sports community hub within the Princes Park precinct, which incorporates a mix of community and club facilities.
