The Eureka Stadium redevelopment has hit another milestone with the release of the detailed designs by architect Peddle Thorp for the 5,000 seat grandstand that will ensure Ballarat has AFL football from 2017.

Last Friday, Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford, Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight, Western Bulldogs President Peter Gordon and community representatives to formally launch the architectural designs that will now go to contractors currently tendering for the project.

The redevelopment has already passed a number of important milestones including realigning the football oval’s orientation by 32 degrees to meet AFL and Western Bulldogs requirements, laying an upgraded playing surface the same size as Etihad and new lights.

On Friday evening following the announcement, the new 37 metre light towers illuminated the first night VFL clash as North Ballarat took on regional rivals Geelong.

With a capacity of more than 11,000, the redeveloped stadium will ensure AFL games can come to Ballarat.

The Western Bulldogs Football Club is set to play its first game at the ground next year.

Other improvements include upgraded change rooms, a new video and electronic scoreboard, better merchandise and food stalls and universal-access toilets.

The winning contractor will be announced in June with construction due to start soon after. The grandstand will be completed in time for AFL matches in 2017.

The project is expected to create 38 construction jobs, draw another 21,000 visitors to Ballarat each year and increase annual tourism spending in the city by up to $3.6 million.

The State Government is providing $31.5 million towards the Eureka precinct redevelopment, which includes upgrading Eureka Stadium, the Wendouree Sports and Events Centre, the C.E. Brown Reserve and the Ballarat Showgrounds.