the popularity of the dogs by increasing the annual rent from £7,000 to £9,500. In the winter of 1965, after North Melbourne had moved to Coburg, Arden Street Oval was rented by the VFL – in large part to prevent other football codes from renting it. The VFL used it junior football, umpire training, school programs, and from June it was used as a central ground for the Essendon District Football League game-of-the-week. Redevelopment In 2007, it was announced by Club Chairman Graham Duff that the facilities at the Arden Street Oval would get a $10 million upgrade, including new facilities for the State Fencing Centre. The new facilities would be ready in time for the 2009 AFL Season and allow the club to move administration from Etihad Stadium to the ground. The upgraded facilities will also serve the community with a Gymnasium, Basketball Courts and Change rooms. The new administration of James Brayshaw worked with various Government agencies including the Melbourne City Council, Victorian State Government, and the Commonwealth Government to have the new facilities increased in size and value from the original $10 million, to a final plan costing $16 million, and providing the NMFC and local community with some of the best amenities of any club in the AFL. The new development was opened in time for the 2010 season. The development includes offices for the football department and administration of the NMFC as well as training facilities. As housed in the building is a fencing centre, community gym, basketball court and 'The Huddle' which is a community learning centre. In 2013 Arden Street was touted as a possible location for the proposed new 'boutique Stadium' in Melbourne. Other possible sites included Punt Road Oval, home of the Richmond Football Club. In 2016, the North Melbourne Football Club announced they would be playing a game against Hawthorn at Arden Street Oval as part of the 2017 pre-season competition. Notes External links VFL/AFL Attendance Records Team Scoring Records "Around the Grounds" - Web Documentary - Arden Street Defunct Australian Football League grounds North Melbourne Football Club Sports venues in Melbourne Defunct greyhound racing venues in Australia Defunct cricket grounds in Australia Victorian Football League grounds Buildings and structures in the City of Melbourne (LGA) Sport in the City of Melbourne (LGA)