Hawthorn's future home at the Kennedy Community Centre has reached an exciting juncture with major construction slated to begin in the new year.

The transformational project will safeguard the club's future, creating a long-term home for the entire Hawthorn family. 

The 28-hectare site at Dingley Village will house equal facilities for both Hawthorn's men's and women's players, including an MCG-sized oval and AFLW and Community Oval and pavilion, where the future matches will be played.

Whilst the Harris Elite Training and Administration facility will create a world-class environment for the club's players and staff, the Kennedy Community Centre will also be a home for our past players, members, fans, and local community.

Following the completion of critical early works, Hawthorn President Andy Gowers said major construction will begin early in the new year, with an anticipated completion date in the second half of 2025.

"What we're seeing is construction just about to start, this place will come out of the ground in early 2024," Gowers said.

"You've got to make sure the foundations are strong, and given this was an old industrial landfill site, it has not been without its challenges, but we've worked through those diligently both with council and other authorities to make sure everything is done in an approved way."

Notably, Hawthorn will continue to be the only club in the competition to own its own facility and the land on which it is situated.

Hawthorn is continuing to undertake significant design work to ensure we remain well placed to deliver what is one of the largest investments by an AFL club in partnership with the Federal & State Governments, City of Kingston and AFL.   

"I think the thing you realise when you come out here is that it is huge, it's a massive site," Gowers said.

"It will be something that every single Hawthorn person will be very proud of - members, supporters, past players and sponsors, but also the local community here in Dingley, and the City of Kingston area.

"It will become a community hub - this will be a place where the community rallies and the community comes to participate, be healthy and be fit. 

"Hawthorn will wrap its arms around the Dingley community, and I think the same will be said about the Dingley community for Hawthorn."