Bombers get green light for its Melbourne Airport headquarters

ESSENDON hopes to move into its new headquarters at Melbourne Airport in 2013 after the project was given the green light.

James Hird

ESSENDON Football Club hopes to move into its new headquarters at Melbourne Airport for the start of the 2013 season after the Federal Government gave the project the green light.

After 90 years, the Bombers will move from Windy Hill to a 10ha site that includes two ovals - one the size of the MCG and the other similar to Etihad Stadium.

Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese approved the $26 million facility that will also be used by paralympians and athletics groups. It includes a basketball court, pool, gym and 1km running track.

About $6 million comes from an election promise made by local federal MP Bill Shorten.

"We've kept an AFL team in the north-western suburbs of Melbourne and avoided a looming crackerjack dispute between the Essendon bowls club and Essendon football club,'' Mr Shorten said.

Essendon CEO Ian Robson said he was "pleased and delighted'' and hoped work would begin within months and the club would be fully moved in for the start of the 2013 season.

He said it was “a win-win for the football club and the community” as the Bombers would be based in Melbourne's fast growing western corridor but still only 7km from the spiritual home of Windy Hill.

The club received $1.7 million from the former Labor state government and is in talks with the Baillieu Government for a $4.3 million top up.

Mr Albanese said no concerns about the project were raised by the public.

“The plan will not have any significant impact on aviation operations at the airport and is not expected to increase traffic in the area,” he said.