Windy Hill Essendon: Bombers’ historic heartland to be turned park, playground, netball courts
The Essendon Bombers’ spiritual home, Windy Hill, is set to be reinvigorated and turned into a hub for family fun, with plans floated to tear down some of the historic grandstands to make way for a precinct with a park, playground and netball courts.
North West
Don't miss out on the headlines from North West. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Historic grandstands at the Essendon Bombers’ spiritual home could be torn down and turned into open space under a council vision to reinvigorate Windy Hill.
Moonee Valley Council has released a draft vision for the site, which includes a host of ideas designed to make the space more user friendly.
While plans aren’t set in stone, suggestions include removing two of the three grandstands to create open space, building a netball court and creating a playground.
It also discusses the possibility of integrating the site with neighbouring Essendon Primary School to give the students access during school hours.
The draft revision aims to include plenty of open space and trees.
Moonee Valley Mayor Narelle Sharpe said the council has reached out to thousands of people, as well as community groups who use the space to share how they would like Windy Hill to look.
“People have told us they want Windy Hill to be a place they’re proud of, with quality
opportunities for sport, recreation, leisure, events and lifelong learning,” Cr Sharpe said.
“They also want Windy Hill to be a culturally and socially rich precinct that acknowledges the
past, that champions gender equity, and that features high-quality sustainable architecture
with innovative technology.
“We’ve taken everyone’s ideas and have formed a draft vision for Windy Hill that will aim to
make the precinct a place where people will be proud to play, stay and remember.”
The ground is used by Essendon Football Club’s VFL team, Essendon Bowls Club, Essendon Croquet Club and Essendon Cricket Club, while the EDFL host finals there.
Essendon Cricket Club president Simon Tobin said the feedback from all user groups, including his club, had been “really positive”.
MORE:
PUSH TO BUILD HEADSPACE CENTRE IN MOONEE VALLEY
THE SCHOOL LETTING KIDS DESIGN THEIR OWN UNIFORM
DRUGGIE BODYBUILDER JAILED FOR SEX FRAUD
“Everyone has been really respectful of everyone’s perspective,” he said.
“We unanimously decided the existing groups will be protected.”
The Essendon Cricket Club has been a part of Windy Hill since 1872.
“We’re very keen to ensure that cricket remains part of the landscape there,” Mr Tobin said.
MORE:
TOP MELBOURNE CAFES THAT ROAST AND POUR
RECYCLING CRISIS AVERTED IN MOONEE VALLEY
He said buildings at the ground were due for a facelift.
“Unfortunately, because of the age of the old buildings our off field services are quite poor,” Mr Tobin said.
“The biggest things for us will be the new facilities, change rooms, toilets and the rest of it.”
Feedback on the draft revision closes on October 6.