Central Coast Mariners are on the right track to opening the Mariners Centre of Excellence, which would be a first in Australian football.
The club has lodged a formal Development Application with Wyong Shire Council and plans are now in place to construct a professional sporting facility in Tuggerah.
"After more than six months of intensive planning, design and extensive negotiation and consultation with Wyong Shire Council, we are delighted to have been able to lodge the completed Plans. We couldn't be happier with the final design, which draws its inspiration from many of the world's top sporting facilities," said Mariners deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Mariners at Tuggerah trust Peter Turnbull.
"This is a landmark milestone on our quest to make the Central Coast the hub of football excellence in this country. Not only will Mariners at Tuggerah offer our club a world-class football and administration facility, but it will also prove to be a tremendous asset for the wider community.
"We've already had tremendous support from our joint venture partner Wyong RSL, as well as Wyong Shire Council, and we thank them for their continued backing. Without their blessing, we wouldn't have been able to even dream of such a significant project, but just as we do, all the parties involved regard this a vital component to the continued development of the Central Coast.
"We also need to recognise the significant contribution of architect Greg Smith, and all those involved from the environmental engineers, to hydraulic engineers," Mr Turnbull said.
Mariners executive chairman Lyall Gorman echoed Turnbull's sentiments.
"We are all very excited about reaching this stage of the development and it re-iterates our commitment to the region," said Gorman.
"And the timing couldn't be better. With Football Federation Australia's bid for either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cups, combined with our first foray into competing in the Asian Champions League and our relationship with English Championship side Sheffield United, Mariners at Tuggerah would significantly boost the chances of attracting world class sporting teams to the region.
"This will see us not only have the best facilities possible to promote and nurture our own local talent, but also to attract the best young players throughout the country."
