Sandringham Football Club will undergo a million-dollar refurbishment thanks to funding from Bayside City Council and other sporting and government bodies.

Construction will start in October at the Victorian Football League (VFL) club premise on Beach Road, which will see its social club building expanded and upgraded.

The current 120-seat, 1970s-styled entertainment area will be expanded to allow for 180 guests, and will incorporate a new disability lift, have contemporary furnishings, and be designed to maximise the views over the bay.

Scheduled to cost more than $1.1 million, the project was made possible by a $150,000 grant from Bayside City Council, as well as more than $700,000 in funding from AFL Victoria and the Victorian State Government, with Sandringham Football Club providing the balance.

Bayside City Council Mayor Cr James Long said he was delighted Council was able to assist the club in providing a better facility for the community.

“We are a strong supporter of our City’s sporting clubs. The Sandringham Football Club has helped to keep our community active and healthy throughout its 80-year history,” Cr Long said.

“Sandringham has won four VFL premierships in the past nine years and enjoys a close alignment with the St Kilda Football Club. We want to ensure the Club’s players both young and old have access to the best facilities possible to support their success and enjoyment for many years to come.

“The renovated clubroom will also provide a beautiful, large public venue overlooking our picturesque bay, which members of our community can hire for their memorable events.

At the same time, the increase in patronage and revenue that will come from these improvements will have long-term economic benefits for the club and community.”

The project is being managed by Bayside City Council and is scheduled for completion in February 2010.

For more information, please contact Council’s Civil Projects Coordinator Peter Franklyn on 9599 4685.