Western United parent company announces latest plan for A-League stadium

Western Melbourne Group (WMG), the owning entity of the A-League’s Western United, has unveiled the latest iteration for its stadium and mixed-use development project with the announcement of a new partnership with YourLand Developments and Johnson Controls.

Originally due to be completed ahead of the 2021/22 A-League season, WMG has unveiled a number of plans for the development of the much-delayed 15,000-seat stadium in the suburb of Tarneit

which was promised as part of its successful bid to secure one of the places in the expansion of the competition.

The latest announcement for the development of the venue says that YourLand and Johnson Controls have been brought on board for the $2 billion development and delivery of what is referred to as “Australia’s first sports and recreation-focused suburb” in Melbourne’s West.

The mixed-use suburb - to incorporate four distinct precincts including: high performance sports precinct, stadium precinct, residential precinct; commercial and mixed-use precinct - will be developed as a public-private partnership with Wyndham City Council. Western United will serve as sports partner, YourLand as development partner and Johnson Controls as technology partner.

According to The Australian, the announcement will allow the project to commence through WMG securing a $50 million debt facility from Johnson Controls, with the stadium to be completed for the 2026/27 A-League season.

Announcing the partnership, WMG and Western United Executive Chairman, Jason Sourasis announced in a statement “we’re absolutely delighted to work alongside some of the leading Australian and international property partners for this groundbreaking project, which will deliver both economic and social benefits to Melbourne’s West and, more broadly, the state of Victoria.

“YourLand Developments’ experience in creating sustainable communities, where people aspire to live and work, aligns perfectly to the values of our region and was therefore a natural partner. YourLand has a proud legacy in Melbourne’s west, delivering over 2,500 lots as well as town centres, parks, open spaces and wetlands, in addition to commercial assets.

While Western United is expected to begin play at its 5,000-capacity Regional Football Facility and training ground for the next A-League season work on the 15,000-seat stadium is now projected to start later this year.

However, uncertainty continues to surround WMG’s viability amid reports that players were paid late in November and with the club yet to appoint a replacement for now-former Chief Executive Chris Pehlivanis following his departure to lead Football Victoria.

The club currently plays its home games at AAMI Park in Geelong and Mars Stadium in Ballarat.

Images: Friday's announcement of Western Melbourne Group's latest announcement for development of “Australia’s first sports and recreation-focused suburb” (top) and the stand at the Wyndham Regional Football Facility (below).