THE decision by St Kilda Football Club to relocate its training centre to Frankston has been hailed as an enormous coup for a town that has been unfairly maligned.
Mayor Glenn Aitken said: "Despite some of the negative comments of the past which are highly regrettable and inaccurate … this is a a very powerful affirmation of all the work we are doing to make Frankston one of the most liveable places in metropolitan Melbourne.
"In terms of marketing the town and helping people see Frankston in a different way, this will do a power of good."
St Kilda chief executive Archie Fraser confirmed the club would build a $10.25 million elite training facility and administration centre at Frankston Park, to be completed by the 2010 season.
Frankston City Council will contribute $3 million and the freehold title for the new facility, while the State Government and AFL will pitch in $3.45 million and $2.55 million respectively.
The Saints will provide $1.25 million for the high-tech centre, which will include an altitude room, video analysis facilities and a medical and rehabilitation area.
The club has agreed not to install poker machines at the new Frankston base and will also embrace a community partnership program, following its stormy relationship with Kingston Council, which rejected a request to move pokies to a new social club at Moorabbin.
"(We will) work together on multiple strategies, including supporting business development and tourism initiatives, establishing a player ambassador program for the city, as well as being involved in programs to address graffiti management and social concerns such as drug and alcohol issues," Mr Fraser said.
Cr Aitken said the program had already received strong support from the Frankston community, even those who did not support the Saints.
"This is a smart move by St Kilda and I think they recognise we are a city on the move," he said.
St Kilda champion Robert Harvey, who was recruited from Frankston's John Paul College as a 16-year-old, agreed.
"I'm rapt for the peninsula and I grew up in Frankston," he said.
"I know how much they love their footy and I know how many St Kilda supporters there are here."
