Architectus Leads Mcg Stadium Redevelopment With Foster + Partners
Architectus has been appointed to redevelop mcg stadium with Foster + Partners and MANICA. The stadium’s state and precinct will be assessed, with the ageing Shane Warne Stand set to draw close attention. The move puts a formal design team in place for a project that could reshape one of Victoria’s busiest sports venues.
Garry Lyon Pushes The Budget
Garry Lyon wants the State Government to leave no expense spared. Speaking on SEN Breakfast, the co-host said, “This is what I am passionate about. The Southern Stand at the MCG.” He added, “How critical it is that we get this right, Tim, that we maintain the integrity of the stadium, but also move into the next generation, because we don't want to have to keep upgrading it, and can I say this. No expense should be spared here.”
He also said, “This is the beating heart of our state, not the rail line from wherever it is… internationally, people around the world come to this stadium.” Lyon finished that point by saying, “I don't want to have to revisit it in 20 years and say, ‘Gee, we should have done it properly last time’.”
Shane Warne Stand Review
The focus lands on the Southern Stand, now the Shane Warne Stand, which was built in 1992. Previous reports suggested the capacity could rise to 105,000 and every seat in the Warne Stand could be replaced. That is the practical scale of the work the architects will now assess.
The project could cost up to $3 billion because of rising construction costs. Tim Watson pushed back on Lyon’s position, saying, “So, you don't mind if it costs $10 billion?” He also said, “See, you're hypocritical again because you're always complaining about how much they spend.”
Watson Draws The Line
Watson said, “I do, but I think it's already the best sporting stadium in the world, and I don't mind a little tidy up. I don't mind a little renovation, but all things within reason, I would think.” That leaves the debate fixed on scope, not whether the redevelopment happens. With Architectus, Foster + Partners and MANICA now appointed, the next step is the assessment of the stadium and precinct that will shape how far the upgrade goes.
