THIS is the first glimpse of the futuristic re-development that will transform Punt Rd Oval.


Click here to see an artist's impression of the new development.

What do you think of the proposed design? Have your say below.

The redevelopment, boosted last week by a $6.75 million injection from the Federal Government, will be completed by mid-2010.

Demolition of the old Richmond social club is due to start in January.

Richmond chief executive Steven Wright yesterday said the bold new design was inspired by jubilant scenes in the rooms.

"The concept of this design came about from a picture of the players linking arms and singing the team song after the game," Wright said.

It will be a dramatic meeting of new and old, with the original Jack Dyer stand to remain.

"This will be a 21st century building joined by a 19th century building," Wright said.

The budget for the redevelopment is $20 million.

It will include a training facility and indigenous centre of excellence.

"We are looking nationally and internationally so we can develop a world-class facility using best practice," Wright said.

"The football department will be at the forefront of cutting-edge and high-performance technology.

"Punt Rd will once again become the centre of community life for the residents of inner Melbourne."

The rebuilding of Richmond's Punt Road headquarters began with the earlier $7 million construction of the indoor pool, offices and administration centre.

The new indigenous institute will focus on elite football and will be open to boys and girls.

Richmond hopes to encourage indigenous youth to stay at school longer before going on to further education and training.

The cornerstone of the bold initiative will be the creation of the REAL (Richmond Emerging Aboriginal Leaders) camps.

Through the camps, Richmond hopes to provide experiences in four areas -- personal development, skill acquisition, role modelling and mentoring, and health and lifestyle education.

Up to 300 indigenous youths will complete programs at Punt Rd every year.