MITCHELL Shire Council has called for public comment on its plans to lease land in Beveridge to Melbourne Victory FC Academy.
The proposal is for a state-of-the-art football facility that Council sees as transforming the region’s sporting landscape while delivering widespread community benefits.
Under the proposal, the Council intends to grant a 29-year lease to Melbourne Victory for land on Lithgow Street, Beveridge, in two stages.
The site forms part of land parcels listed under three titles and will be home to what is being called the “Northern Campus” of Melbourne Victory.
The facility will include full-sized and small-sided football pitches, an elite gym, recovery rooms, and dedicated community areas such as a café and function spaces.
The lease allows for diverse use of the premises, including female and youth football academies, community football competitions, hosting the A-League Women’s and Afghan National Women’s teams, training and small-sided football programs, community cricket competitions and general community access as outlined in the lease.
The $35 million staged project will be developed by Council and Melbourne Victory will be responsible for maintenance, capital renewal, and outgoings, while the lease will be offered at a peppercorn rent in recognition of these commitments.
Back in February when the project was proposed Mayor, Cr John Dougall, hailed the partnership as a game-changer for the rapidly growing northern corridor.
“This is a fantastic development for an area where Council is working hard to provide the services and infrastructure needed,” he said at the time.
“Melbourne Victory will provide a high-performance sport presence that enhances community engagement and pride, brings economic development to the region and promotes healthy lifestyles.”
Cr Dougall added that Council initiated the collaboration after learning Melbourne Victory was seeking a location outside Melbourne.
“This development represents an exciting opportunity to bring elite facilities to Mitchell Shire while also ensuring strong community benefits,” he said.
Local clubs such as the Mitchell Rangers Soccer Club are expected to benefit from the upgraded infrastructure, with the facility serving both elite athletes and grassroots participants.
Melbourne Victory has voiced enthusiastic support for the Northern Campus, which represents its first regional base as part of a broader expansion strategy.
Chairman John Dovaston has described the partnership as “an important milestone,” while Managing Director Caroline Carnegie said it would help elevate the Club’s Women’s and Academy programs and provide connection to a new community.
Public submissions on the lease proposal are open until 5pm on Tuesday, 15 July 2025. Submissions quoting reference CP/07/080 can be posted or delivered to Mitchell Shire Council at 113 High Street, Broadford, VIC 3658, or emailed to recreation@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au. Enquiries can be directed to Council on 5734 6200.
