Plans to build a retractable roof over ANZ Stadium and reconfigure its seating to create a perfect rectangle for watching rugby league, rugby union and football are set to move closer to fruition, wit
h consortiums asked to submit tenders for the proposed upgrade.
An advertisement placed by Stadium Australia Operations in Thursday's Australian Financial Review calls for expressions of interest in the project to develop the masterplan unveiled last July by then NSW minister for sport, Graham Annesley.
Among the proposed improvements for Sydney's biggest stadium are:
❏ A retractable roof to weather-proof events;
❏ Moveable grandstands at the northern and southern ends to bring spectators within five metres of the field of play on all sides of the stadium;
❏ New and refurbished player and spectator facilities, including restaurants and bars; and,
❏ Development of the precinct outside the stadium, which is expected to include more new bars, cafes and restaurants.
It is also proposed the eastern and western boundaries be increased to allow for longer straight-hit boundaries in cricket and a more traditional oval shape for AFL.
ANZ Stadium managing director Daryl Kerry said the developments would make the 2000 Olympic Games main venue the best multi-purpose sports and entertainment stadium in the world.
''Putting a roof on the stadium will weather-proof the major events going forward, while moving stands north and south will create an even more dramatic atmosphere for the football codes that prefer a true rectangular field,'' Kerry said.
The proposed upgrade is in line with the NSW government's Stadia Strategy released in August 2012, which focuses future government investment on key venues, including ANZ Stadium, and coincides with the NRL's move towards clubs playing at bigger venues.
With Canterbury, South Sydney, Wests Tigers, St George Illawarra and Parramatta all playing home matches at ANZ Stadium and the venue also used to host the NRL grand final and State of Origin clashes, the reconfiguration of seating will be welcomed by league fans.
It also hosted the Socceroos World Cup qualifying win over Iraq, Manchester United's match against the A-League All Stars and the Wallabies-Lions third Test.
Coming up this year are a Bledisloe Cup Test, the Socceroos' World Cup farewell game and a Juventus and A-League All Stars match, along with key Swans AFL games and T20 cricket internationals.
Kerry said the redevelopment would ensure NSW continued to attract world-class sport and entertainment. He expected a preferred consortium to be chosen by mid-year and construction work to begin as soon as next year.
It had previously been estimated the total cost would be $250 million. The stadium's management is continuing to work with private enterprise and governments to secure funding for the redevelopment project.
NSW sports minister Gabrielle Upton said the government supported the call for bids but had made no firm commitment to fund the project at this stage.
"The NSW government commends the Stadium Australia Group for taking the next step in its strategic planning for the long-term future of ANZ Stadium,'' Upton said.
"Stadium management have briefed me about their plans to develop a detailed stadium and precinct masterplan …
''Having parties submit their expressions of interest will provide a clearer vision of how the stadium can be best developed to give fans and players the greatest possible experience when they attend matches and events.''
Brad Walter
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/anz-stadium-seeks-bids-for-retractable-roof-ground-revamp-20140212-32iau.html
An advertisement placed by Stadium Australia Operations in Thursday's Australian Financial Review calls for expressions of interest in the project to develop the masterplan unveiled last July by then NSW minister for sport, Graham Annesley.
Among the proposed improvements for Sydney's biggest stadium are:
❏ A retractable roof to weather-proof events;
❏ Moveable grandstands at the northern and southern ends to bring spectators within five metres of the field of play on all sides of the stadium;
❏ New and refurbished player and spectator facilities, including restaurants and bars; and,
❏ Development of the precinct outside the stadium, which is expected to include more new bars, cafes and restaurants.
It is also proposed the eastern and western boundaries be increased to allow for longer straight-hit boundaries in cricket and a more traditional oval shape for AFL.
ANZ Stadium managing director Daryl Kerry said the developments would make the 2000 Olympic Games main venue the best multi-purpose sports and entertainment stadium in the world.
''Putting a roof on the stadium will weather-proof the major events going forward, while moving stands north and south will create an even more dramatic atmosphere for the football codes that prefer a true rectangular field,'' Kerry said.
The proposed upgrade is in line with the NSW government's Stadia Strategy released in August 2012, which focuses future government investment on key venues, including ANZ Stadium, and coincides with the NRL's move towards clubs playing at bigger venues.
With Canterbury, South Sydney, Wests Tigers, St George Illawarra and Parramatta all playing home matches at ANZ Stadium and the venue also used to host the NRL grand final and State of Origin clashes, the reconfiguration of seating will be welcomed by league fans.
It also hosted the Socceroos World Cup qualifying win over Iraq, Manchester United's match against the A-League All Stars and the Wallabies-Lions third Test.
Coming up this year are a Bledisloe Cup Test, the Socceroos' World Cup farewell game and a Juventus and A-League All Stars match, along with key Swans AFL games and T20 cricket internationals.
Kerry said the redevelopment would ensure NSW continued to attract world-class sport and entertainment. He expected a preferred consortium to be chosen by mid-year and construction work to begin as soon as next year.
It had previously been estimated the total cost would be $250 million. The stadium's management is continuing to work with private enterprise and governments to secure funding for the redevelopment project.
NSW sports minister Gabrielle Upton said the government supported the call for bids but had made no firm commitment to fund the project at this stage.
"The NSW government commends the Stadium Australia Group for taking the next step in its strategic planning for the long-term future of ANZ Stadium,'' Upton said.
"Stadium management have briefed me about their plans to develop a detailed stadium and precinct masterplan …
''Having parties submit their expressions of interest will provide a clearer vision of how the stadium can be best developed to give fans and players the greatest possible experience when they attend matches and events.''
Brad Walter
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/anz-stadium-seeks-bids-for-retractable-roof-ground-revamp-20140212-32iau.html
