The Eureka Stadium redevelopment is on track for the Bulldogs to take to the field in 2017, with the Andrews Labor Government today announcing a number of key project milestones.
Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, today joined Western Bulldogs President, Peter Gordon, Ballarat Mayor, Des Hudson, and local members Geoff Howard and Sharon Knight at the Stadium to announce the start of community consultation on the $15 million project and unveil concept designs.
The draft design for the new grandstand and facilities is almost complete, and interested Ballarat residents and groups can view and comment on the plans at a community information session to be conducted in early December.
The design will then be finalised and submitted to the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, for approval, with a view to starting construction in 2016.
Ms Pulford also announced renowned Melbourne Architectural firm Peddle Thorp Architects have been appointed as the lead Architect to deliver the project.
Work has already begun on realigning the football oval’s orientation by 32 degrees to meet AFL and Western Bulldogs requirements. Other components of the project include:
- Replacing and improving the playing surface
- Installing watering and drainage systems
- Reducing the oval size to be the same as Etihad Stadium, and making more room for proposed grandstands and match-day facilities
- Upgrading change rooms and match-day facilities to AFL standard
- Upgrading stadium seating, providing public shelters, toilets for all-abilities access, catering and food beverage facilities and ticketing infrastructure
- Improving lighting around the main oval and providing a video and electronic scoreboard.
The revitalised stadium will deliver over 5,000 undercover seats, and a total stadium capacity of over 11,000 spectators.
The project is expected to create 38 construction jobs, attract an extra 1500 participants to stadium activities per year, draw another 21,000 visitors to Ballarat each year and increase annual tourism spending in the city by up to $3.6 million.
The Labor Government is providing a total of $31.5 million towards the Eureka precinct redevelopment, which includes upgrading Eureka Stadium, the Wendouree Sports and Events Centre, the C.E. Brown Reserve redevelopment and the Ballarat Showgrounds.
To find out more about the information sessions, visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
"The Eureka Stadium redevelopment is on track for the Western Bulldogs to play in 2017.”
"Community consultation sessions will give the local community the chance to view the draft designs, ask questions and have their say on this important project."
Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“Once complete, the revamped Stadium will attract thousands of footy fans to Ballarat each year, supporting local jobs and local businesses.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“We said we would get on with delivering this important project as soon as possible and we are keeping our word - that's why we’re moving quickly to ensure the Bulldogs can host AFL games by 2017.”
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Ballarat Des Hudson
“Today’s unveiling gives us a preview of what we can expect to be delivered over the next 18 months. Just imagine when 2017 AFL Premiership points matches are played right here in Ballarat, Brownlow points being won, a tourism bonanza, all of it right here in our community in our new stadium. We can’t wait.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021