Keeping local sports clubs thriving while we build North East Link

Major upgrades at Ford Park starting soon.

As part of a $68 million investment in new and upgraded sports facilities, works will start early next month on a new home for the Yarra Junior Football League (YJFL) while North East Link is built.

Stage 1 upgrades include a new pavilion and public toilets, a refurbished southern oval with new sports field lighting and synthetic turf cricket nets.

There will also be changes to the existing car park and new public exercise stations for community use as well as a basketball/futsal public court and play equipment.

YJFL will join Ford Park’s other users, Bellfield Cricket Club and Ivanhoe Junior Football Club, when the first round of upgrades are complete in mid-2021.

Stage 2 upgrades will start in 2025 and include a new north oval, a synthetic turf cricket pitch on the south oval and upgraded walking paths.

Visit our website to find out more.

We’re investing in Ford Park to provide a base for the YJFL due to construction impacts at their current ground and headquarters at Bulleen Park.

The upgrades are consistent with the Ford Park Master Plan developed by Banyule Council in 2016 following extensive community consultation.

FAQ

Will I still have access to the grounds during construction and after it's finished?

Yes, construction will be staged so that parts of the grounds will still be accessible. See the construction zoning map on the back page for more details. Once Ford Park is upgraded, the public will continue to have the usual access to park facilities and ovals when not in use for club training and games.

Will any trees need to be removed?

Works have been carefully planned and designed to avoid tree removal as much as possible, but a small number will be impacted.

As part of North East Link's tree planting program, we will plant more than 30,000 trees. Plans to plant 124 trees within Ford Park are already underway.

What can I expect to see during construction?

Every effort will be made to manage the impact to residents. When work starts you will see work crews, trucks and other construction vehicles in the area. The crews will be working from 7am to 6pm weekdays and Saturdays from 7am to 3pm.

You can contact us to discuss your questions or concerns via 1800 105 105 or email community@northeastlink.vic.gov.au