North Melbourne’s Arden Street address has become a hive of activity in recent weeks with construction workers increasing their output in order to have the club’s new headquarters ready for the end of the year.

A vast amount of concrete has been poured and large scaffolds have been erected with the multi-million dollar facility now beginning to take shape.

“When you drive past the site you really sit up and take notice. The amount of work going on there is phenomenal and this North Melbourne dream is quickly becoming a reality,” North Melbourne Chief Executive Eugene Arocca said.

Hacer Group is aiming to have the project completed late November and it’s anticipated the club will be able to move in shortly after, just in time for the 2010 pre-season.

“This will be a vital resource for our club and the wider community. It is the beginning of something truly special and reaffirms our commitment to the local area and its residents,” Arocca added.

Away from the public eye, Zbar Consulting has been engaged by the club and project partners, the Scanlon Foundation and the Australian Multicultural Foundation, to implement a strategic plan for the ground-breaking Learning and Life Centre.

Using specialist teaching aids, children will take part in educational programs and, out of hours, community and adult learning groups will have access to English language lessons and employment, drugs and alcohol and health and well-being sessions.

The facility will also include a gymnasium and training centre for Fencing Victoria.