La Trobe University Sports Park Stage 3 represents a landmark investment in gender equality and inclusion in Australian sport. Developed in the lead-up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM, the Home of The Matildas was designed to elevate women’s sport to equal footing, providing elite facilities for the CommBank Matildas and creating long-term opportunities for athletes at every level.
The $101 million precinct in Melbourne’s north is the national base for Football Australia’s women’s programs and the home of the State Centre for Football Victoria.
The Home of The Matildas features two hybrid turf pitches and three FIFA-grade synthetic pitches, all supported with change rooms, lighting and scoreboards. A circular change room for the Matildas was designed around equality, excellence and empowerment; delivered with a high-performance gym, endless river and plunge pools, elite medical and recovery facilities, coaching development spaces, premium function rooms, cafe facilities and a boutique 780-seat sheltered grandstand. Administrative offices and meeting rooms were delivered to provide managers, analysts, media and executive staff with modern and innovative working facilities.
Cost management backed by industry expertise
WT was engaged by La Trobe University and Football Victoria to provide cost management and quantity surveying services across the project. Construction began in October 2021 and was completed in June 2023, delivering on time for the Matildas’ FIFA Women’s World Cup preparation, serving both elite and community athletes.
Our team provided detailed cost planning, value management, financial reporting and contract administration to guide the project through its complex delivery. We worked closely with stakeholders to balance high-performance requirements with long-term community value, supporting informed decisions around budget, procurement and program.
Legacy built on access, equity and ambition
La Trobe University Sports Park Stage 3 is more than a sporting precinct – it is a national symbol of progress. Inclusion shaped every element of the design, from tailored amenities to equitable access for community and state programs. As the CommBank Matildas’ home and a thriving hub for Victorian football, the precinct inspires the next generation of athletes and raising the standard for inclusive, high-performance sport infrastructure in Australia.
Image credit: Mark Avellino.
