Highly regarded Victorian barrister Christopher Townshend QC has joined the Carlton Football Club Board of Directors.

With 26 years of expertise as a barrister at The Victorian Bar, Townshend specialises in Planning and Environment Law with a focus on major infrastructure and development projects.

Together with Townshend’s vast experience in Planning and Environment Law, his expertise also includes player advocacy within the AFL and other sporting codes.

Townshend has represented Institutions and the state government for major infrastructure projects including the Metro Rail Tunnel Project and Westgate Tunnel Project.

This specialist experience from Townshend will be invaluable in guiding the implementation of the Club’s Master Plan that will see $35 million in state and federal government funding go towards the redevelopment of Ikon Park.

The Master Plan will provide further elite facilities, an education hub and administration areas to cater for the expansion and growth of female football and the broader Carlton Football Club as well as improving match-day facilities.

After an extensive process, the Independent Nominations Committee recommended Townshend join the Carlton Football Club as a Director, a recommendation that was unanimously accepted by the Board.

This appointment continues the Club’s commitment to on-going board renewal.

Carlton President Mark LoGiudice said Townshend’s wealth of knowledge will be an asset to the redevelopment of the Club’s spiritual home.

“The Master Plan is a major infrastructure project for our football club and the addition of Christopher to the Board will see him utilise more than 25 years of his experience to ensure this project is carried out efficiently and in the best interests of the Carlton Football Club,” LoGiudice said.

As announced at the Club’s AGM in February, Marcus Clarke has retired after having served four consecutive terms of office as a Director.

Carlton President Mark LoGiudice acknowledged Clarke’s contribution to Carlton over the last 12 years.

“We are very grateful for the service and commitment Marcus has made as a Director of the Carlton Football Club for the past 12 years. His legal expertise has proven important with regards to not only tribunal matters, but in all aspects of the football club.” LoGiudice said.

“The inclusion of Christopher as a Director will see Carlton maintain a high level of legal expertise on the Board as well as overseeing the execution of the Master Plan for Ikon Park.”