Melbourne plots return to MCG park

MELBOURNE Football Club has pitched a plan to build a new club headquarters next to the MCG, with a training ground on Yarra Park.

The Demons are reportedly eyeing a prized parcel of parkland in the northeastern corner of the MCG precinct for a full-sized football oval.

The proposal would also see a five to seven-storey complex, boasting an administrative wing, a world-class gym and medical facilities, built on top of the rail tracks next to Jolimont station.

A separate multistorey apartment block is expected to be developed next to the Demons’ base.

The State Government confirmed yesterday it was in talks with the club about the potential development of Yarra Park and VicTrack land to accommodate a dedicated new home for football’s oldest club.

No formal decision has been made on the plan, but a government spokeswoman said: “Melbourne is the sports capital of Australia.

“We’re always happy to talk organisations about how we can make our great sport- ing precincts even better.”

Melbourne chief executive Peter Jackson said: “The club is looking at a number of options for its future training and administration facilities and this is one of them.”

The MCG parkland is currently used for car parking on AFL game days, though parking capacity is expected to be reduced in coming years to help bolster security in the MCG precinct.

Moving parking away from the stadium is understood to have support from many stakeholders and safety advisers who argue it would create a “buffer zone” between queuing fans and vehicles.

It is understood the new Yarra Park football oval would be available for community use outside of Melbourne’s training sessions.