Precinct upgrade a ‘win for all’

Melbourne Victory has assured residents worried about losing open space that plans to build three new pitches at Footscray Park is a win for everyone.

Melbourne Victory has addressed concerns over its plan to build three new pitches at Footscray Park as part of a W League and youth academy complex.

Residents in the Maribyrnong area are worried that the venture, jointly funded by Victory and the state government, will cost them open space.

An online petition garnered almost 4000 signatures, but Melbourne Victory CEO Trent Jacobs said the facility would benefit the community.

“The benefits range from bringing national and international-standard content to the city of Maribyrnong and go through all the way to providing greater opportunity for boys and girls to participate in football,” he said.

Maribyrnong Swifts Football Club players Klara, 9, Chloe, 8 and Matilda, 12. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The new facility will feature three floodlit pitches — one with a natural surface and two with hybrid pitches.

Male and female change rooms, undercover viewing areas for 500 spectators, and administration and education areas for coaches, staff and players will also be included.

Mr Jacobs said use would be skewed towards community use rather than soccer games and training.

The two hybrid pitches will remain open to the public, while the show pitch will be open when there are no games being played.

“It is a significant investment in the city of Maribyrnong in the way of something that can be enjoyed by future generations,” Mr Jacobs said.

“For us it’s going to be working with council, working with our community partners to try and find the most suitable times for them to be able to generate benefits from the site.”

Two hybrid pitches will remain open to the public, while the show pitch will be open when there are no games being played.

Mr Jacobs said it would not affect events currently held at the precinct.

Henrik Steenberg, a local resident and technical director at Maribyrnong Swifts Football Club, said his two girls, Matilda, 12, and Klara, 9, who play at the club, would be inspired by the development.

“There is no doubt this is a very positive step in terms of providing opportunities particularly for young girls on the western side of Melbourne,” he said.

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Mr Steenberg said he frequented the park on his way to Victoria University and for exercise.

“I see that space every day and very rarely do I see anyone using it, so it is very under-utilised,” he said.

“Building the facility there, it’s a no-brainer.”