Hawthorn President Andrew Newbold has issued the below letter to members via email Tuesday evening, followed by supporters, regarding the club’s future facility plans.
Dear members and supporters,
As you’re aware, for the past three years the club has been in the process of conducting a feasibility study on the future of Waverley Park.
This has been a very thorough and comprehensive project, and the Board has received regular updates on its progress over that period.
Since relocating to Waverley Park in 2006, this site has served the club extremely well. In that time, we have grown in all areas of our business.
At the end of 2014, we sent a small delegation overseas to tour some of the world’s best training and administration facilities, which has put us in a better position to make the right decision for the club and our members.
The three year feasibility study concluded that Waverley Park now has a number of limitations, which will restrict any future expansion, growth and development. As a result it was in the best interests of the club to explore the option of an alternate site.
Our key vision, to be the destination club, is one of the main objectives within our strategic plan and this means providing world-class training and administration facilities to attract the best players, coaches and staff.
Most other AFL clubs have developed new state-of-the-art facilities and we have rapidly fallen down the ladder in this respect.
Furthermore, we desire a facility that will allow our increasing number of members to feel part of the club and to create a destination that is accessible to all. Our present facility is not conducive to this requirement, which we regard as fundamental to aligning with our values as the family club.
Over the past few years, the club has identified and explored a short list of 15-20 potential sites throughout Melbourne’s south eastern corridor, and a 28 hectare site in Dingley has been of significant interest due to its location, size and capability.
Following further analysis of the land, a working party has recommended the Dingley site could meet the future needs of the club, its members, players, coaches and staff.
As such, I am pleased to inform you the club has put a conditional offer to purchase the identified parcel of land, and we have 18 months to conduct further due diligence on the site.
This decision has been made following an extensive process that has included consultation with the Board, leadership group, coaching and management staff; an overseas study tour and the investigation of potential alternative sites throughout Melbourne’s south eastern corridor.
If, after the 18 month investigation, the Dingley site does not suit the club’s requirements we are not obligated to purchase the property.
Should it eventuate, the site will allow for the development of a world-class training and administrative facility which will provide greater prospects for member interaction, community engagement and future expansion.
It is important to note that this project is in the exploration phase and any potential development would be a 5-10 year undertaking.
CEO Stuart Fox and I, along with the Board and management, are focused on establishing the best option to future proof Hawthorn Football Club for our most important stakeholders – you, our members and supporters.
This is a significant decision for the future of our club and its members, and rest assured it has been made after exhaustive research and due diligence.
We are determined to place the club at the forefront of elite sporting and community facilities, and to ensure any future home of the Hawks is a place where our valued members and supporters feel welcomed and engaged.
Warm regards,
Andrew Newbold
HawkTalk covers the club's 2014 study tour
Jack Gunston's impressions of the facilities at Tottenham, Arsenal, St George's Park and Aston Villa
Transcript: Andrew Newbold's live chat
