- Published:
- Saturday 12 March 2022
A major redevelopment of La Trobe University’s Sports Park in Bundoora is supporting more than 600 jobs during construction, and providing a home for the Matildas and our future football and rugby stars.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today revealed artist impressions for the site as early works continue, made possible by an investment of more than $101 million from the Andrews Labor Government.
The project is developing the Home of the Matildas, providing a world-class training base for Football Australia to train its national women’s squads.
It will provide a home for Football Victoria to base its administration and run high performance training, development and recovery activities. It will include a show pitch with a grandstand, and four additional pitches.
The project will also develop a base and facilities for Rugby Victoria. The State Rugby Centre of Excellence will provide training, development and recovery facilities for high performance players, and match day facilities for the Melbourne Rebels Super W team. It will include three rugby pitches and a grandstand.
La Trobe University’s students will also benefit from the partnership with the two sporting codes, by having access to many of the facilities, student placements and research studies.
This will provide a huge boost to the university’s standing as a leading provider of higher education in sport, attracting students and funding for research.
Grassroots community sports club are also winners, with extensive access to most facilities for training and development programs a key priority of the project.
The Home of the Matildas is due for completion by March 2023, in time for the venue to be a Team Base Camp ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.
The Victorian State Rugby Centre of Excellence and the remainder of the project will be finished later next year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“This project delivers major benefits for football, rugby, the university and the local community – and it will create 600 jobs during construction.”
“Our investment also helps to level the playing field for women and girls in sport, providing high performance facilities for our current and future champions.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks
“This integrated sports project will be a huge win for our community, making Bundoora a home for elite athletes and providing new facilities for locals to use and enjoy.”
Quote attributable to Football Victoria President, Antonella Care
“This world class precinct will support not only our national teams; but provide the entire Victorian football family with facilities and opportunities never before seen in our state.”
Quote attributable to Melbourne Rebels Chairman and Rugby Victoria Director Paul Docherty
“Once complete this facility will enable young Victorian men and women to progress to the rugby world stage and importantly see Victoria play a critical role in Australia’s hosting of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.”
Quote attributable to the Vice-Chancellor of La Trobe University John Dewar
“It’s exciting to see this major development start to take shape at our world-class Sports Park, delivering even greater benefits to our students and the community in Melbourne’s north. We can’t wait to welcome the Matildas, Football Victoria and Rugby Victoria to La Trobe.”