State Government strikes deal with AFL to relocate and rent new footy HQ

THE AFL will pay peppercorn price rent for its new headquarters, thanks to a deal with the State Government. Here’s the location they’ve got their eye on.

THE AFL has struck a deal with the State Government to rent a site for its new headquarters at peppercorn prices.

The league will be pushed from its current home near Etihad Stadium to make way for a major $225 million makeover of the stadium precinct.

The Herald Sun understands the AFL has its eye on a new location at New Quay.

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THE PARK THAT WOULD CHANGE THE FACE OF THE DOCKLANDS

Treasurer Tim Pallas revealed that the relocation deal had been struck as part of a package to upgrade the Docklands stadium, as well as others across the city, and keep the AFL grand final in Melbourne until 2057.

Asked whether it was correct that the AFL would get the site for free or peppercorn rent, he said: “it is”.

What Etihad Stadium will look like. Picture: Supplied

“The arrangements that we put in place are that they will be able to access a facility, a piece of land, for AFL headquarters,” Mr Pallas said.

“It will be renegotiated around about the time that control of the AFL grand final staying in Melbourne (2057) is up for review.

“We hope to have them as a landlocked hostage.”

The Etihad Stadium precinct will undergo a major revamp. Picture: Supplied

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said: “There will be discussions now about where AFL House will be located in a number of years time as this refurbishment work gets underway.”

Mr Pallas also revealed in a post-Budget address to business that the government had splashed about $100m to buy the Docklands tower that currently houses Channel 7.

The move is also part of the revamp plan to open the esplanade to the waterfront.

“It is long overdue,” Mr Pallas said.

“The one thing that everyone would have to say about Etihad is that it is not visually splendid.

“A bit more work in connecting Etihad to the waterfront, opening it up, would be a good investment for all involved.”

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