Melbourne has quashed fears proposed training ground at Yarra Park will be closed-off compound

MELBOURNE president Glen Bartlett has revealed exclusive details about the club’s preferred new home — but not everyone is happy as the Demons move to allay fears over its bold Yarra Park relocation plans.

The Demons currently train at Gosch’s Paddock. Picture: Getty

MELBOURNE has moved to allay fears over its bold Yarra Park relocation plans by declaring the new training oval would not include significant infrastructure.

Melbourne confirmed there would be an administration building on top of the train line but only goal and point posts on the playing field in the north-eastern corner of the park.

Plans do not include fencing or railing, scotching concerns it will be closed-off as part of a Punt Rd-style compound.

REVEALED: DEMONS’ PLAN FOR NEW YARRA PARK TRAINING GROUND

NOT HAPPY: ANGRY LOCALS FIGHT PLANS TO DEVELOP YARRA PARK

Melbourne president Glen Bartlett told the Herald Sun the oval would only be used by the club for six to eight hours a week, leaving it open for community use at other times.

Bartlett said the club had assessed other sites around Gosch’s Paddock, Elsternwick and Docklands, but was adamant the Yarra Park and train line site was the best option.

The club’s training and administration base is currently split between the MCG and Gosch’s Paddock where it shares facilities with three other sporting clubs.

Where Melbourne's proposed Yarra Park training oval and new headquarters would be based.

“This is really important for our club because the MCG has always been our home and we have gone through every piece of land across Melbourne in our heartland and this is by far the best option,” Bartlett said.

“What we want to do is enhance the area, and welcome kids, and parents and grandparents to the community oval so they can have a kick and banana shots at the goals before games.

“And not just our games, that’s before and after every game at the MCG. It will be there for all clubs’ footy fans.

“It will be a safe space for everyone to enjoy, and there is not going to be any fences or rails or anything like that. It will be totally open to the rest of the parkland.

“We believe that will really enhance the parkland.”

The plan has met angry resistance from a group of locals, but Bartlett said the club would work with residents and groups to alleviate concerns.

The Demons currently train at Gosch’s Paddock. Picture: Getty

While Melbourne would construct a six-storey headquarters including a new gym, medical facilities and offices on the train line next to Jolimont Station, it is the training oval on the green space which has triggered most debate.

The parkland has a natural slope which would require landscaping to level.

“It would be a nice, level and safe playing space for the kids and for young men and women to come and exercise, or go for a walk, and do everything people already do there,” he said.

“We are about enhancing the area, not just for our benefit, but for all Melburnians and the local community.

“If there are ideas about how things could be improved or amenities people may want to be included as part of the precinct, then we are really keen to hear those ideas.”

Bartlett said the club would also look at ways to pay tribute to the Dees’ 160-year history and club icons such as Ron Barassi, Jim Stynes, Norm Smith and Neale Daniher.

Watch every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. SIGN UP NOW >