The Collingwood Football Club will invest approximately $2 million to undertake groundworks required to bring the ground up to a standard that will rank it as one of the AFLW's best facilities. The ground is also used by Collingwood's VFL team, as well as the Fitzroy Junior Football Club and recreational leagues.
Works on the Victoria Park playing surface are expected to begin in early October 2026 and be completed by the end of March 2027. The first stage will include replacing the oval surface and installing new irrigation.
In return for the investment, Collingwood has requested access during those times where it is currently used by the AFL umpires, but not at a time before the AFL is able to find the umpires a new base.
Victoria Park has a history as one of Melbourne's storied football venues, that more recently, thanks to the work of the Yarra City Council, has become one of the great community spaces in the inner city.
"I honestly believe the transformation of Victoria Park into a community facility is one of the best things this council has done," said Yarra City Council Mayor, Stephen Jolly.
"However, the popularity and heavy use of the ground over recent years have resulted in a fair bit of wear and tear that means it now requires resurfacing to bring it up to standard as an AFLW and VFL venue."
Cr Jolly said that Collingwood's investment in the playing surface means the venue would result in an even greater facility for the local community.
"While locals and their dogs will not be able to use the ground during the summer, once complete, Victoria Park will be an even better community space, as well as returning to its place as one of Melbourne's great football ovals."
