A small, but tangible, step on the road to Western United’s elusive stadium apears set to be made next month, with the announcement that early works on the proposed venue’s site are set to commence.
In a Wednesday afternoon release, Western Melbourne Group (WMG) — United’s parent company — announced that construction of haul roads and upgrades to the surrounding roads of the proposed Wyndham City Stadium location would commence next month — the week of October 25.
WMG says these works are intended to prepare the site for construction proper once it and the surrounding precinct’s master plan — submitted in July — is approved by state government.
“We thank all of our stakeholders, members and fans for their unwavering support as we continue to work hard on delivering a world-class precinct,” chairman Jason Sourasis said.
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“Over the past two pandemic affected years, the club has grown enormously to not only field an A-League team but to include a youth academy with two teams playing in the Victorian NPL, securing a W-League licence for the 2022/23 season, the establishment of a women’s development program, as well as Frame Football and Powerchair teams.
“Whilst the planning process has taken longer than we had hoped, it is vitally important we get the masterplan for the whole precinct right from the start.
“The precinct will allow for the continued growth of our sporting organisation as we expand our academies and pathways further, as well as building a sporting centrepiece for the rapidly growing population in the west of Melbourne.
Image Credit: Western United
“This project will shift the professional sporting landscape, as it is the first of its kind in our country. In addition to the sporting legacy, our project gives the west of Melbourne a social and economic boost, which is much needed in these challenging times.”
The core element to the bid that saw WMG tapped as one of two A-League expansion franchises back in 2018, Western United officials had repeatedly said that the stadium would commence works in mid-2021 for a 2023 completion date — only for that date to pass without an announcement.
On Wednesday, WMG said that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, “refreshed timeframes have been established for the project,” but didn’t clarify if that meant that the 2023-target for the stadium’s completion had also been pushed back.
Western United has previously announced an elite training facility with seating for 5000 spectators and community access that will be built adjacent the proposed Wyndham City Stadium, funded jointly by WMG and Wyndham City council.
The announcement that ground is set to be turned in Wyndham comes hot off the heels of the West Melbourne club, alongside the Central Coast Mariners, being announced as a W-League expansion franchise for the 2022-23 campaign.
After parting ways with foundation coach Mark Rudan this offseason, its A-League side will enter the 2021-22 campaign under the guidance of former Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi. Final ground arrangments for the coming season are expected to be announced shortly.
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Header Image Credit: Western United
JDL MEDIA 