Carlton’s bid to make Ikon Park home of women’s footy now one step closer

Carlton’s bid to turn Ikon Park into the home of women’s football is one step closer as plans for the project hit a new phase.

Carlton Football Club's bid to turn Ikon Park into the home of women’s football is a step closer Source: Carlton Football Club

Carlton’s bid to turn Ikon Park into the home of women’s football is a step closer, with plans for the project’s second stage officially lodged with the City of Melbourne.

The football club will redevelop its current facilities to integrate both the men’s and women’s teams across AFL and VFL into one unified space.

The first stage of the development, due to be completed at the end of the month, will see new training facilities, change rooms, medical spaces and an expanded gym for AFLW and AFL players.

But it is the project’s proposed second stage which is set to mark a “landmark moment” for women’s football in Australia.

It will see the Pratt Stand demolished to make way for an indoor training field, improved spectator viewing points and new match day facilities for AFLW.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the proposal would be judged on “its merits” at an upcoming City of Melbourne council meeting.

Plans for the project’s second stage have officially been lodged with the City of Melbourne. Source: Carlton Football Club

“The $35 million (state and federal government contribution) proposal to transform Ikon Park is a unique opportunity however it must be carefully considered by councillors to ensure it remains respectful of the landscape and heritage of Princes Park,” she said.

Carlton Football Club president Mark LoGiudice said, if approved, the “landmark” redevelopment would grow female participation in sport once complete.

“This redevelopment will see the Carlton Football Club become the first AFL club in the country to host male and female rooms alongside one another of the exact same quality and size, while sharing the same state-of-the-art facilities that will provide an elite training environment,” he said.

“With the expansion of the AFLW competition and growth in female participation numbers increasing, providing world-class facilities in the heart of Melbourne is essential to growing women’s football.

The football club will redevelop its current facilities to integrate both the men’s and women’s teams across AFL and VFL into one unified space Source: Carlton Football Club

“Providing all Victorians with the opportunity to be part of the growing AFLW competition, whether this be through player or coaching pathways, fan engagement or crowd attendance, will also consolidate Ikon Park as the home of women’s football.”

Cr Capp added the popularity of AFLW had helped spur a rise in women’s sport, with a record 90 women and girl’s teams using City of Melbourne facilities every week.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for women’s sport and the City of Melbourne is keen to encourage the continued growth of women’s teams across all sporting codes,” she said.

Originally published as Carlton’s bid to make Ikon Park home of women’s footy now one step closer