Richmond CEO Shane Dunne, Acting Victorian Minister for Sport and Major Events Colin Brooks, Sarah Witty MP, Richmond President John O’Rourke, Built Environs GM VIC Goce Causevski

The topping out ceremony of the Punt Road Oval redevelopment was celebrated today, ticking off a major milestone for the historic infrastructure project.

The final structural component of the new Jack Dyer Stand is now in place, with the framework of the grandstand now complete to its highest point. 

Richmond CEO, Shane Dunne, said it was important to acknowledge the significant progress that has been made.

“This redevelopment is critical to the long-term future of our Club on and off the field. Today was a significant moment to celebrate with key stakeholders and our builders Built Environs,” Dunne said.

“I’m sure Richmond fans have noticed the progress being made. It is an exciting period for everyone associated with the Club.

Acting Victorian Minister for Sport and Major Events Colin Brooks, Richmond AFL player Toby Nankervis, Richmond AFLW player Gabby Seymour, Sarah Witty MP

“We are so grateful to the redevelopment's many contributors, including Richmond members, fans and major donors, the Federal and State governments, and the AFL.

“While this is a significant milestone, we are still working to secure the necessary funds to complete this project in its entirety. We do not want to pause this project so the next few months will be critical to build on the momentum of today’s announcement.”

The completed redevelopment will deliver:

  • A three-level underground car park (230 parks)
  • Equitable, state-of-the-art facilities for our women’s program
  • Enhanced facilities for our men’s AFL and VFL programs
  • A new Jack Dyer Stand with seating for 1,400 spectators and an increased venue capacity of 6,500 supporters
  • Elite performance outcomes by realigning and resizing the oval to match MCG dimensions
  • Improved education spaces and classrooms for the Korin Gamadji Institute and Melbourne Indigenous Transition School, further enhancing our capacity to empower the next generation of leaders
  • Enhance the usability and footprint of Yarra Park greenspace for community use

The William Cooper Centre will be home to the Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI) and the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS), deepening the work already being done with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Most importantly, this redevelopment ensures Richmond remains in Richmond.