Fans of suburban grounds rejoice as finally after a 30-year wait, Lottoland, more commonly known as Brookvale Oval, is set to be saved.
The neglected and ageing ground in the northern beaches in on the verge of being given a $35 million dollar upgrade, which will include a 3000-seat grandstand.
The proposed state-of-the-art upgrade will well and truly end speculation the Penn family, Manly's co-owners, would have to move the Sea Eagles away from their spiritual home.
The announcement could be made as early as this Thursday but club officials were hesitant to reveal any details on Monday night in the fears of a last minute hitch.
Manly have reportedly already secured grants worth around $20 million dollars from the Federal and State Governments.
It is now being understood the State Government is considering giving the ground on Pittwater Road another $15 million in order to ensure a Centre of Excellence is constructed at Brookvale.
Although, after many years of broken promises, Manly aren't holding their breath that the deal will go through.
Some well-placed sources have revealed NSW Sports Minister Stuart Ayres has a few extra coins to spend after saving money on redeveloping ANZ Stadium instead of the initial tear down and rebuild plans.
The Penn family would also not be required to add any money to the project.
The idea is to build this Centre of Excellence at the northern end of the stadium, currently where the scoreboard and family hill situate.
The Centre of Excellence will be the first step in reviving 'Brookie', and would play home to Manly's football operations, coaching staff and administration.
The last 20 years have been filled with fears Manly would have to relocate if the ground couldn't secure significant funds in order to give the place a new look.
The new grandstand would back onto the Centre of Excellence as Manly would finally be able to leave the demountables behind and join rival NRL clubs in terms of adequate off-field facilities.
Manly will be able to choose between two locations to train, their current premises in Narrabeen which offers three training grounds, as well as Brookvales playing surface.
Back in August, Manly co-owner and chairman Scott Penn spoke to the Daily Telegraph and said the revamp would do wonders for the club.
“The club is working very closely with local and State Government to make sure we have the right Centre of Excellence at Lottoland that would befit an NRL club,” Penn said.
“We are still a way away but there are certainly positive and proactive conversations going on. The area, deserves an activated precinct."
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