There’s been a couple of updates from the club about this, so I thought I’d share the one from yesterday for those who might not receive the emails in case they’d like to share their thoughts.
Dear Carla,
As you may be aware, the ‘Imagine Windy Hill’ project was recently launched by Moonee Valley City Council (MVCC). The purpose of the project is to provide a platform upon which key user groups, including sporting clubs, local schools, community groups as well as the local residents can collaborate on a shared long-term vision for Windy Hill. This in turn will help inform any future development planning for the precinct.
Windy Hill holds a special place in the heart of many Essendon players, staff and members, past and present, due to its rich history. Today, the club continues to maintain a clear presence at the precinct, hosting matches for both our men’s and women’s VFL games, as well as important community health and recreation facilities through the Windy Hill Social Club, Windy Hill Fitness Centre* and Coaching Zone* (*managed in partnership with Belgravia Leisure).
Further to our own football activities, the Essendon District Football League, which lies within our Next Generation Academy Zone, also utilises the precinct to house their administration and accommodate its Finals Series, as well as being a venue for their umpire training sessions.
While there is a clear desire to acknowledge our own history at Windy Hill, we also accept that a shared vision between all key user groups is critical, and that investment is required to ensure the site develops into a significant recreation precinct for our fans and members of the wider community to enjoy into the future. We also believe in the long-term prospect of the venue for both our VFL and VFLW teams, with the possibility of AFLW too, upon the Club securing a future licence.
There has been significant residential growth in the Moonee Valley municipality and neighbouring regions in Victoria, with MVCC identifying Windy Hill to service the increased demand for sporting and recreation spaces in its strategic plan – MV2040 - https://www.mvcc.vic.gov.au/mv2040.
All ideas and stories that are shared on the ‘Imagine Windy Hill’ website will assist in informing the long-term vision of the precinct so I encourage all of you that may have a personal passion for Windy Hill to share your thoughts on this page via the link below. Remembering the site is for the “recreation of the people”, I would also encourage you to pass this link onto friends, family and local residents that may also have views on the future of the precinct.
MVCC are working towards the completion and circulation of this initial draft vision in August. We will be sure to keep you up to date on the project as it progresses.
