The City of Stonnington has agreed to fund a massive overhaul of playing and spectator facilities at Toorak Park.

At its meeting on 28 June, Council approved finance for a plan that has been mooted for a number of years.

OXFC President Matthew Cosgrave thanked the City of Stonnington for its support of the project.

“We have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with Stonnington since we became a tenant at Toorak Park in the mid-1990s and we are ecstatic that Council has seen the wisdom in making the venue the city’s sporting showpiece,” Cosgrave said.

“The intricate details of the plan are yet to be determined after Council’s consultation with Toorak Park’s summer and winter tenants, but we do know that the facelift will be major, and include:

• A reshaping and resurfacing of the playing surface;
• Powerful new lights to enable night football and cricket; and
• A new two-tier pavilion to replace the existing grandstand, the ‘red brick house’, and the restrooms near the northern goals, which will house spacious social rooms, change rooms and other features.

“We have already seen the demolition of the rooms on the far side, the relocation of the cricket nets and the redevelopment of Victory Park, but the main work now has the green light,” Cosgrave said.

“Detailed planning will occur over the next 12 months, with a view to construction commencing late 2022.

“It looks likely that we will be able to use the ground for training and games in 2023, our centenary year, though we will need to work through arrangements for social facilities, change rooms and conveniences.

“Toorak Park, once completed, will offer the best facilities in the VAFA for players and spectators alike.

“We thank the Council for its long-term vision and look forward to working with Stonnington and our fellow tenants to ensure that the new Toorak Park meets the needs of modern community sport.

“Getting this redevelopment to approval stage has meant a lot of work by Council, by the committee and financial backers of the OXFC and our fellow tenants. We are delighted that this project, so long talked about, will go ahead.

“Old Xavs players and supporters can all look forward to 2024 and beyond, knowing our home will be at one of Melbourne’s premier sporting venues,” Cosgrave said.

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