Construction has begun at Wyndham's new Regional Football Facility.
The construction phase of the joint project between Wyndham City and Western Melbourne Group - owners of A-League team Western United - is now officially underway.
Wyndham City Mayor Cr Peter Maynard was joined by Western Melbourne Group Chairman Jason Sourasis to turn the first sod at the 1160 Sayers Road site today.
When complete, the Regional Football Facility will include three soccer pitches with the main pitch providing for 5,000 spectators.
It's the first stage of Wyndham City's landmark A-League Stadium Project with Western Melbourne Group that will also deliver a purpose-built 15,000 seat soccer stadium and mixed-use precinct including residential, commercial and community facilities.
Cr Peter Maynard said: "This is an important milestone for this landmark project in Wyndham."
"When complete, this state-of-the-art sports facility will not only service Wyndham residents and those living in the west but will also have state-wide significance."
"Large projects such as this are significant for a city like Wyndham. As we continue our Covid recovery, we're working hard to ensure our local economy bounces back and this project will provide jobs and create a fantastic new community asset."
Western Melbourne Group Chairman Jason Sourasis said: "This is a proud moment for everyone at Western Melbourne Group and Wyndham City Council."
"The Regional Training Facility will help grow the game of football in the west by providing much needed football specific infrastructure as well as provide Western United Football Club with a permanent home in the west."
"The impact that this facility and the broader precinct will have on not only the local Wyndham community, but the whole of the west of Melbourne, will be enormous and we are so proud to have marked the beginning of construction today."
"We hope that every boy and girl in the West will one day dream of wearing the green and black whilst playing for Western United Football Club in Australia's national competitions. That footballing journey begins right here in the heart of the West in Wyndham."
According to an economic impact assessment, the Wyndham Stadium development will provide 835 jobs during the construction phase and 125 ongoing permanent roles once it is fully operational.
Cr Maynard said once complete, it is anticipated the Wyndham Stadium development will attract about five million visitors to the Stadium over 20 years, generating non-stadium visitor spending and supporting local business, including those in Tarneit's Riverdale Town Centre.
The Regional Football Facility will comprise a two-storey building located centrally between the training pitch and stadium pitch.
The pavilion will include a range of training and gym facilities, function and media spaces as well as change rooms, staff facilities, kiosks, public toilets and a first aid room.
Both the main and training turf pitches will be occupied by Western United Football Club throughout the year, with a short off-season period between around May and July.
It is anticipated that up to 12 Women's A-League games may be played during the season between October and March, with average attendance of around 1,200-1,500 spectators, peaking at 3,000-5,000 for derbies and finals.
The third pitch proposed for the site is to be a synthetic turf field located in the southern end of the site. This high-use pitch will support academy and community engagement undertaken by Western United FC.
Council appreciates the Minister for Planning recognizing the project being of State Significance and approving the planning scheme amendment to facilitate the development of the Wyndham Stadium Precinct in 2021.
The proposed development will be completed by May 2023.
