The new Punt Road Oval playing surface is taking shape.

Concrete guttering around the oval perimeter has been laid, and the fence has been constructed.   Irrigation is almost complete, with the new turf to be rolled out next month.

As part of the ground’s reconfiguration, more than 3000 cubic metres of soil has now been removed from the site.

The Club expects the surface to be available from late December.

“We are pleased with the progress, although some things are out of our control, and the recent rain has put the project back a few weeks,” said Richmond’s CEO Brendon Gale.

“We had planned to have the surface available by late November, but that won’t be the case.

“Given the playing group has a staggered start to pre-season, followed by a 10-day camp in Cairns from November 26, the delay will have minimal impact on our pre-season.

“The players are also on leave from December 21, so we would expect them to be on the oval when they return early in the New Year.  

“It is going to be a first-class facility, which will be well worth the wait.”

The $1.9 million project will deliver the Richmond playing group a state-of-the-art surface, with the same dimensions as Etihad Stadium. 

It also will allow for the return of official football matches to the ME Bank Centre, with the Club’s stand-alone reserves side expected to play several games per season at the venue from 2014.

The new oval has been made possible through the overwhelming support the Club received for its Fighting Tiger Fund. 

While the surface is being prepared, the Tigers will have access to the training facility at St Kilda’s old Moorabbin ground.