Melbourne Airport expansion threatens future of Essendon Football Club

Bombers fans chipped in $10m as part of The Hangar’s multimillion-dollar facelift in 2021 — but all that work could soon be undone.

Essendon Football Club’s high-performance training facility is at-risk of redevelopment, with Melbourne Airport officials refusing to say if long-term expansions will impact the club.

Bombers HQ – located on federally-owned land within the airport’s Elite Park precinct – houses two football fields sized to match the MCG and Marvel Stadium, indoor training facilities and administrative services. 

But sources told the Herald Sun confidential discussions between club officials and airport planners suggested infrastructure on the Don’s $27 million site, dubbed ‘The Hangar,’ may be impacted by a fourth runway running east-west, and wider developments in the precinct.

Future plans for Melbourne Airport's two new proposed runways. Picture: supplied

Such impacts would mean a possible rework of the 10,000sq m site, which was upgraded in 2021 at a cost of $21.5 million — its supporter base chipped in $10 million.

The Bombers famously relocated to its new base along Melrose Dr in 2013 from its spiritual home of nearly 100 years at Windy Hill.

It comes as airport officials move forward with the early stages of its Approved 2022 Master Plan to develop a TopGolf driving range within Elite Park.

It can be revealed a permit was submitted to The Dept. of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water earlier this month for the removal of protected grassland to enable a build.

The Bombers in action during atraining session at The Hangar. Picture: Getty Images

Elite Park’s already home to UrbnSurf, famed eatery Three Blue Ducks, Hanrob Pet Hotel, Qantas Joey Club Childcare Centre, and the Dons’ multimillion-dollar headquarters.

But Melbourne Airport officials refused to share any insight detailing their long-term plans and potential impacts on Bombers HQ, as well as the wider Elite Park precinct.

Officials also declined to comment when presented with an artist impression from its Master Plan which depicted parts of a markedly improved Elite Park.

The current site of Elite Park which houses Essendon Football Club and UrbnSurf. Picture: Supplied

A statement accompanying the illustration vaguely outlined likely future plans.

“It is anticipated that Elite Park will evolve over time, initially (over the next five years) with leisure and customer experience facilities (that build off the existing facilities and tenants.)

“And ultimately as a mixed-use environment with the addition of higher value, higher-density developments to support existing facilities.”

Roads, water, sewerage and electrical infrastructure would also be developed, while the report briefly mentioned plans for Elite Park over the next 10 years.

Essendon HQ’s The Hangar is located on federally-owned land near Melbourne Airport. Picture: AAP Image

“The airport has planned the site for high-value commercial developments focused on sporting, leisure and customer experiences,” the report continued. 

“There would be in addition to more traditional urban-commercial developments such as low-density offices, education, and ancillary retail and showrooms.”

A spokesman for the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and The Arts said consultations with various stakeholders had taken place.

Dyson Heppell is seen in action during an Essendon Bombers training session at The Hangar. Picture: AAP Image

The entryway to Bombers HQ. Picture: Sarah Matray

He said airport officials were considering whether proposed developments at Elite Park required a Major Development Plan to be submitted for consideration.

“The Government also has clear expectations that leased federal airports, including Melbourne Airport, undertake regular and ongoing consultation with airport users, state and territory governments, local authorities and the community to improve information sharing and strengthen planning and development outcomes,” the spokesman said.

Melbourne Airport's 2022 approved masterplan artist’s impression. Picture: supplied

“While consultation occurred during the development of the 2022 Melbourne Airport Master Plan, which includes the future development of the Elite Park Precinct, the Government expects Melbourne Airport to continue engaging on planning matters such as this – as this engagement is fundamental to the successful long-term development of the airport.”

Five games are scheduled for this year’s VFL premiership season at The Hangar while six VFLW matches were also slated to take place. 

When approached for comment, a Dons spokesman said the club was on a “long-term lease.”