Funding Shortfall Hits Saints' New Home

The Age

Thursday September 4, 2008

Martin Boulton

ST KILDA'S plan for new training and administration headquarters at Seaford has struck a funding shortfall after Frankston City Council voted against increasing its cash contribution.

Saints chief executive Archie Fraser said the council's $3 million offer would be considered, but further talks with council had been put on hold.

He rejected suggestions the project could be in jeopardy.

"We will review the council offer and update our members in due course. At this stage the club is solely focused on the finals and we will not be distracted by anything else," he said.

On Monday, the council voted 5-3 in favour of offering the Saints $3 million, leaving the club $800,000 short of bringing the Seaford site at Belvedere Park up to AFL training standards.

The State Government and AFL have committed $3.45 million and $2.55 million respectively to the project, and the Saints $1.25 million. -- MARTIN BOULTON

© 2008 The Age

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