Major redevelopment works at Moorabbin Reserve are one step closer after St Kilda Football Club late last week lodged a town planning application for the $29m project.

The application included concept designs and architectural images of the proposed redevelopment which includes:

  • First purpose designed facility in Australia that caters to the full spectrum of the Australian Rules Football talent pathway – from Auskick through to AFL level;
  • Indoor court for basketball and netball training and competition;
  • Public piazza for community events;
  • Dedicated space for Junction Studio, a vibrant new platform for St Kilda Football Club to engage with the community.

The town planning application will be assessed by the City of Kingston over the coming months.

If the project is approved, Moorabbin Reserve will become the home of the St Kilda Football Club, Southern Football Netball League, South Metro Junior Football League, AFL Victoria regional office and the Sandringham Dragons.
St Kilda President Peter Summers said that while the submission of the town planning application is an important project milestone there is still a lot of work to be done as the club moves closer to a return to Moorabbin.

“We want the revitalised Moorabbin Reserve to be a true football and community hub and it’s exciting that people can now see what our collective vision will look like,” he said.

“Moorabbin will help provide a pathway for junior footballers, coaches and staff and also be home to an elite AFL football program with everything that entails.

“It will transform a tired, rundown community eye-sore into something special and treat the precinct with the respect it deserves. It will restore Moorabbin’s place in our club’s history and provide a great platform for our future.”

“I would also like to acknowledge and thank all of the stakeholders involved for their continued support and cooperation, which has been critical to the ongoing success of the project,” Summers said.

Garry Cranny, project representative for the Southern Football Netball League, South Metro Junior Football League and AFL Victoria, said the co-location of community football with St Kilda, an elite level AFL club, will create opportunities which are unique when compared to other local football leagues in Victoria.

“Working collaboratively with St Kilda and our ‘grass roots’ pathway partners, we are committed to making this ground-breaking ‘football hub’ concept an outstanding success,” Cranny said.

“It is an exciting development for Australian Football in our region that also begins to address our forecast increase in female participation across both football and netball. We believe Moorabbin Reserve can be the integrated AFL model for the rest of Australia.”

Acting Minister for Sport Philip Dalidakis said the upgrade of Moorabbin would give the Saints and the local community a state-of-the-art venue with something for footballers of all age and ability.

"The upgrade of Moorabbin means St Kilda can return to its spiritual home, alongside the local community and budding footballers at a flagship venue they can be proud of."

"This is a rare opportunity for footballers of all ages and abilities to train and play at a venue they share with their heroes."

Download our Moorabbin Information sheet (PDF)