Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Headquarters Project

The Caulfield Racecourse Reserve project involves a proposed training facility and administrative headquarters for the Melbourne Football Club (MFC), located within the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve in the suburb of Caulfield East.

Project Proposal and Facilities

Under the proposal, the facility would be situated within the perimeter of the racetrack. Planned features include two Australian rules football ovals, two multi-use sports fields, and a pavilion. Access to the interior of the track would involve the construction of a tunnel underneath the racetrack.

Background and Alternative Locations

Historically, the Melbourne Football Club has maintained strong ties to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where it has played home matches since 1889. The club trained at the MCG until 1985 before relocating its training base to Junction Oval in St Kilda. In 2009, training operations moved to Casey Fields in Cranbourne East, while football offices and indoor training facilities moved to AAMI Park in late 2010. The club also utilizes Gosch's Paddock, located adjacent to the MCG.

Prior to pursuing the Caulfield site, the club explored several other locations. In June 2018, the MFC proposed establishing a headquarters next to Jolimont railway station with an oval in Yarra Park, a plan that was not supported by the Victorian state government. Subsequent plans were considered for the southern side of Gosch's Paddock, alongside discussions regarding land between Olympic Park Oval and AAMI Park, Melbourne University, Elsternwick Park, and Docklands Stadium.

Feasibility Study and Timeline

On 12 December 2023, the Melbourne Football Club announced the commencement of a feasibility study in partnership with the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust (CRRT) and local community stakeholders to evaluate the Caulfield site. The feasibility study concluded in September 2024. Reports indicated that the club considered relocating its training and administration departments to Waverley Park in Mulgrave on an interim basis prior to a potential move to the Caulfield facility.