Richmond unveils $65 million plan to keep the Tigers at Punt Rd Oval

Richmond has revealed designs of a $65m redevelopment that will secure the club’s future at its spiritual heartland.

Richmond footy club plans to redevelop Punt Rd Oval. Supplied

Richmond has unveiled bold new plans for its Punt Rd Oval and will ask its army of yellow and black fans to kick in to help fund them.

The ground the Tigers have called home for more than 135 years would be resized to the same dimensions as the MCG under the $65 million blueprint.

The Jack Dyer Stand — built in 1914 — would be demolished and a new one constructed to increase capacity from 2500 to 8000 spectators.

Underground carparking for 280 vehicles would be created with part of crown land above in Yarra Park turned into a new community space, subject to Heritage Victoria approval.

A design of how the new stand will look. Picture: Supplied

Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale told the Herald Sun the “exciting” revamp was needed to secure the club’s future at its spiritual heartland.

“If we don’t use this opportunity to invest in our entire facilities, including the ground, to ensure it’s fit for purpose to meet the long term our medium to long term future at the club is in jeopardy,’’ he said.

“That seems horrible because there is so much historical significance and historical value with Richmond being at Punt Rd Oval where it has been since 1885.’’

Punt Rd Oval would be widened “to its maximum capacity’’ and rotated into the footprint of the existing Jack Dyer Stand.

Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale says the revamp is an ‘opportunity to invest in our entire facilities’. Picture: Supplied

The new stand would be built on the club’s current carpark, housing elite women’s facilities, offices and about 1800 undercover seats facing the ground.

The development would stretch towards the area drop in cricket pitches are prepared for the MCG in Yarra Park, with a “town square’’ for fans to gather before matches.

“The Punt Rd precinct will be much more exciting,’’ Gale said.

“It’s just not up to scratch at the moment … it will be a much more comfortable and engaging experience for members and football supporters.’’

The new stand will have capacity for 8000 spectators. Picture: Supplied

Gale said the club investigated retaining the historic Dyer Stand, which the National Trust Victoria last found was of “architectural, historic and social significance”.

“But it’s basically condemned, it’s uninsured, we can’t have more than 20 people in it and the cost of refurbishment is prohibitive,’’ he said.

Bricks from the original stand would be built into external paths, with expansion of the ground making it a permanent VFL and AFLW venue for Richmond.

Enhanced facilities for the club’s men’s and women’s team, a new home for the Bachar Houli Foundation and classrooms for Richmond’s indigenous programs also form part of the plans.

Fans will be asked to kick in to help fund the redevelopment. Picture: Supplied

And a small piece of the club’s current Swinburne Centre home at Punt Rd would be removed in the redevelopment.

The club has secured $30 million of government funding and will ramp up fundraising for the rest, with final planning expected to be finished early next year.

“Richmond members and fans have a proven track record of supporting our club and it’s really important to invest and continue to grow our strong and bold future at Punt Rd for years to come,’’ he said.

If approved, Gale hoped it would be complete by the 2024 season.