Whitten Oval
Redevelopment of the natural turf oval for Professional and Community use
Victoria

Whitten Oval, originally designed as a premier sports ground, faced several challenges related to aging infrastructure, player and spectator facilities, and limitations on venue capacity. The WBFC’s Master Plan aimed to revitalise the Oval to meet both the club’s evolving needs and those of the broader community.  

Key challenges included: 

• Aging infrastructure: The existing facilities, including player training areas and seating, were outdated. 

• Field of Play improvements: The playing surface profile and supporting in-ground services (irrigation and drainage) required upgrades to support the increase in usage from both the men’s and women’s team training and match requirements. 

• Community integration: The redevelopment needed to accommodate community programs and activities, ensuring accessibility for both athletes and local residents. 

• Universal design and gender equality: The project sought to address design elements that would promote inclusivity and accessibility. 

• Site constraints: The existing oval was located on the eastern side of the site, close to the site boundary, and with the proposed new building redevelopment, there was little room to move to improve the geometry of the oval. 

SPORTENG was engaged to provide expertise in sports field design, beginning with an initial condition assessment of the existing playing surface and facilities. This included a comprehensive soil and surface analysis, as well as a feasibility study to assess the potential for redevelopment.  

Key tasks included: 

• Condition assessment and feasibility study: SPORTENG conducted a detailed analysis of the playing surface, examining soil composition, drainage, and irrigation. Soil samples were taken to measure particle size, hydraulic conductivity, and porosity, which were tested in a NATA-accredited laboratory.  

• Field realignment: A key aspect of the redevelopment was the realignment of the field to optimise space for the proposed building works. A unique element to the existing oval was the additional space behind the goals at the northern end of the oval. The Club wanted to retain this element and as such the oval design included an additional 20m of oval beyond the northern goal line. 

• Surface grades: The existing oval had a 1m fall across the site. With the new design, we were able to halve the fall across the surface to improve playability and sightlines for spectators. 

• Documentation and tender process: After the concept design phase, SPORTENG produced the necessary technical drawings, specifications, and cost estimates to facilitate the tender process. They also assisted in reviewing tender submissions to ensure the project aligned with the Master Plan’s goals. 

Aerial view of the Whitten Oval

SPORTENG’s involvement in the Whitten Oval redevelopment has laid the groundwork for a facility that will better serve both the Western Bulldogs Football Club (WBFC) and the community for years to come.  

The detailed design and documentation provided by SPORTENG for the oval has enhanced the player and spectator experience through a realigned field and improved surface performance, establishing Whitten Oval as a premier sporting destination in Melbourne’s inner west.  

Additionally, the redeveloped Oval will host a wider range of community events and programs, fostering greater engagement between the club and local residents through new amenities, such as a cross-fit area and enhanced administration spaces. The project also prioritises universal design and gender equality, ensuring that the facility meets modern standards for accessibility and inclusivity, allowing people of all abilities and genders to fully participate in sports and recreational activities.  

Overall, the redevelopment will reinforce Whitten Oval's status as a key AFLW venue while promoting broader community use, achieving a balance between elite sports and local engagement. 

Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains noted that the transformation of Whitten Oval will impress former players and staff returning for the first time, showcasing a facility as well-equipped as any in the AFL. 

"I think for everyone that has been closely connected with the club over time there is that element of equal parts pride and equal parts disbelief," Bains said. 

 "Our president, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, used to come to Whitten Oval as a girl when it didn't look like it does now. Her involvement in the project in the last few years has been integral. 

"We have a lot of past players into the club and it came as a bit of shock to them last week when a number of them came for a father-son day." 

Source: Brand new Kennel: Dogs unveil $78m upgrade to Whitten Oval