North Melbourne unveils Arden St expansion plans

UPDATE: NORTH Melbourne Football Club’s ambitious Arden St HQ expansion includes acquiring the Lost Dogs’ Home’s land. But the charity’s boss says it isn’t going anywhere.

NORTH Melbourne Football Club has revealed a masterplan to expand its Arden St headquarters, almost tripling in size, and acquiring land including the Lost Dogs’ Home.

The club’s long-term ­vision is to expand west as the neighbourhood changes because of the Arden precinct redevelopment with the Metro rail tunnel project.

North chief executive Carl Dilena said the whole triangle was on the state government’s radar, and that change would happen over a long ­period.

But Lost Dogs’ Home chief executive Andrew Israel said the charity wasn’t going anywhere. The home owns the Gracie St site, which it has occupied for 107 years.

“We’ll be here for as long as the community needs us,’’ Mr Israel said.

“Bulldozers won’t be at the gate in five minutes. The reality is that it will take place over the next 10 to 40 years.

“I can fully understand North Melbourne’s plan to expand the operation of the club and to expand its presence in the local community.

“But I can’t see those plans being agreed to, implemented and funded in any easy, ­convenient way.’’

The Lost Dogs Home is under threat by North Melbourne Football Club expansion plans. Jimmy, a 10-month-old wire-haired terrier cross, outside the home. Picture: David Caird

Ben Cunnington flies for a mark during a pre season game at Arden St. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Mr Dilena said the masterplan was to reflect the changing profile of the area, from light industrial to high-­density residential, and the need for more community space for residents.

North’s dream is to expand along Macaulay Rd and to build an indoor pool and two indoor centres, one with a synthetic oval and another with four multi-use courts.

An outdoor synthetic oval and changerooms are also part of the proposal which has been submitted to the Victorian Planning Authority.

The plans come in response to the $7 billion redevelopment of the Arden precinct as part of the Metro underground rail project.

The first building is demolished for the Metro Tunnel project. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The building on the corner of Queensberry and Laurens streets is no more. Picture: Nicole Garmston

North’s expansion would also mean the purchase of land occupied by Citywide, Bowens Timber and Hardware and workshops.

Citywide spokesman Simon Mossman said the North document was a long-term vision. “There is no urgency to this process,’’ he said.

About 75 per cent of the land in North’s concept is government owned.

The plan has not been costed, but the club would seek funding support.

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Originally published as North Melbourne unveils Arden St expansion plans