Canterbury-Bankstown has confirmed it will move its headquarters back to Belmore, possibly as soon as later this year, once the $5.9 million redevelopment of the ground that was announced on Friday is completed.
Having based themselves at the Sydney Olympic Park precinct since 2008 when they left Belmore, the Bulldogs are delighted with the announcement of $4.9m in Federal Government funding, with the club and Canterbury City Council to contribute $500,000 each for the first stage of the project.
"Belmore is the spiritual home of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the news of this grant has been received with absolute delight right throughout our organisation," said Bulldogs chairman Ray Dib.
"We've worked closely with Canterbury City Council for some time on the redevelopment of Belmore Sports Ground project and we're extremely grateful to the Federal Government for providing the funding to make it happen."
"The Bulldogs will have one of the best training facilities in Australian sport, continuing our desire to create an environment for players and staff that encourages them to be the best they can possibly be, both on and off the field."
"It's most fitting for this development to take place during our 75th anniversary celebrations."
"Since 1935 the Bulldogs have been intrinsically involved in the community surrounding Belmore and I think it'll give the district a real boost to have the team back on the streets."
The initial stage of the redevelopment will involve the creation of modern training and office facilities - to be used by the Bulldogs and Sydney Olympic Soccer Club including state-of-the-art gym, an altitude chamber, a recovery centre with a hyperbaric chamber and a theatrette.
With further funding required for the second stage in the future, the club hopes the surface of Belmore Sports Ground will be upgraded to enable the club to host junior rep games, NSW Cup matches and possibly pre-season trials.