The Victorian Budget 2020/21 will provide $15.5 million towards works at Richmond’s Punt Road Oval, and $7.3 million at the Kangaroos’ Arden Street home.

Richmond’s project includes the construction of AFLW-standard change rooms and the creation of an integrated women’s and men’s high-performance centre – further levelling the playing field. A new grandstand will headline upgraded match-day facilities for supporters.

The redevelopment will provide improved spaces to deliver community programs including those offered by the Korin Gamadji Institute, the Bachar Houli Academy and the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School. The total cost of the project is $60 million with the Commonwealth Government also providing support and Richmond responsible for sourcing the remaining funding. Construction is due to start in early 2022 pending planning approval.

North Melbourne’s facilities at Arden Street will be expanded to better accommodate AFLW training and matches with new change rooms for players and umpires to also be used by VFLW teams and the community.

There will be additional facilities for the club and its community arm The Huddle, which delivers programs that strengthen social inclusion, education and careers for young people and their families.

New facilities will include a multipurpose meeting space, multimedia facilities, a commercial kitchen and administration spaces. Construction is due to start by mid-2021.