Western Bulldogs Whitten Oval

Populous was chosen to oversee the design management of Stages 1 and 2 of the Whitten Oval master plan for the Western Bulldogs Football Club. Stage 1 encompasses the AFLW home and away change rooms, along with a video scoreboard. Stage 2 features the new EJ Whitten Stand and state-of-the-art elite training facilities.

CHALLENGE. Whitten Oval, serving as a public open space, plays a pivotal role in the broader community and is a cherished home ground for the Bulldogs. The Club places immense value on its deep-rooted connection with the local community, evident in the accessibility of its facility and the various community programs it champions. Recognising that the oval’s existing layout and secure perimeter hindered community integration, Populous embarked on a redesign to foster a stronger bond with the surrounding precinct and uphold the Club’s values.

INNOVATION. The transformative efforts extend to a new match day pavilion equipped with a merchandise shop, essential amenities, and even a first aid room. Additionally, there’s a revitalisation of the entry building and museum. The oval underwent resizing and resurfacing to align with Marvel Stadium’s pitch dimensions, boasting a capacity of 10,000 spectators, including 914 seated in the EJ Whitten Grandstand.

IMPACT. The Whitten Oval development is a holistic hub, seamlessly integrating community, club and administrative functions. This comprehensive redevelopment encompasses cutting-edge sports science facilities, a 25-meter indoor pool, athlete-centric changing areas and a groundbreaking indoor training field crowned by a translucent PTFE roof complemented by natural ventilation. With a keen eye on sustainability, the initiative emphasises precinct landscaping, rainwater harvesting, optimising natural light and ventilation for the training facilities, and implementing measures to curtail energy consumption while ensuring optimised thermal performance throughout the new structure.