Delivering a business case for the redevelopment of Whitten Oval for Sport and Recreation Victoria

Project description

The sports and entertainment team worked with Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) and Western Bulldogs Football Club to prepare a business case seeking funding from the Victorian Government for the redevelopment of Whitten Oval, the training base for the Western Bulldogs. Facilities were recognised as being substandard and not commensurate with user needs.

Stage One of the redevelopment was completed in 2019, which included refurbished AFLW changes and the installation of a new scoreboard.

Stage Two, valued at over $77 million, was completed in 2024 with funding contributed by the Australian Government, Victorian Government, Western Bulldogs and the AFL.

Upgrades included:

• Upgrade of the playing surface
• Increase in spectator capacity
• Enhancement to the spectator amenities
• Broadcast quality lighting upgrade
• Rebuilding of the Whitten Stand with upgrades to the administration and football department facilities, and the creation of a new Bulldogs museum
• New function facilities, including a 400-person function space
• Dedicated community spaces for the programs run by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, including the creation of a Women’s Health and Leadership Hub
• Construction of a new multi-purpose indoor training facility.

Project scope

For the business case, we worked with SRV and Western Bulldogs to:

• Articulate a clear need for government investment at Whitten Oval
• Define and conceptualise possible redevelopment options to resolve the existing issues
• Undertake a robust analysis of project options that incorporated financial, economic, social and environmental factors
• Undertake a project delivery assessment, including procurement and detailed risk assessment for the project to minimise the risk of delivery for government.

Project outcomes

Our team delivered a DTF-compliant business case for the redevelopment of a sporting precinct. The business case was successful in receiving funding from the Victorian Government (over $46 million in total). Our team worked with a wide range of stakeholders to seek a beneficial outcome for government, sporting teams, and the community.