THIS is the first sneak peek at what Brookvale Oval could look like.
A $50 million state-of-the-art stadium with an additional 9000 undercover seats would finally give Manly a venue of NRL standard. The above designs have been put together by Warringah Council architects as part of their community consultation process and have recently been passed on to Sea Eagles officials.




Manly powerbrokers are pleased with the proposal, which would leave the current Jane Try and Ken Arthurson stands in place but requires the erection of a new eastern stand and southern stand. The next challenge will be to lobby the state and federal governments for the funds to make it happen.

''This would truly be the best facility on the north shore and the northern beaches,'' Manly chairman Scott Penn said.
''We are really pushing this option, which is turning the existing facility into a fantastic sporting stadium, but making sure all of the infrastructure is right.
''It's in everyone's interests to do it because we really don't have a quality facility [in the area]. We've got North Sydney Oval, which can handle about 14,000, but not very comfortably seated. And that's it.''
An earlier redevelopment proposal included a 12-storey apartment block, but locals have opposed any development which could adversely impact the neighbourhood.
Brookvale Oval, due to its limited parking, remains a difficult destination to get to and Penn said a transport interchange would be planned to ensure smooth traffic flow. ''We want to make sure we work with the local community and hear them and make sure everyone gets what they want,'' he said.
Sea Eagles co-patron Kerry Sibraa, a former chairman and director of the club, has been campaigning for Brookvale Oval funding since 1998. In that time, Sibraa - a former president of the Senate under the Hawke and Keating governments - has raised $10.6 million.
However, much of that funding has been used for maintenance and yielded only an additional 200 undercover seats. At present, only 3250 seats are under cover.
''Both the federal and state governments are sympathetic to our situation,'' Sibraa said. ''Our job now is to get the master plan in front of them and to seek funding as a matter of urgency. Without 9000 undercover seats, it's not viable.''
Penn said the Sea Eagles were also looking at the best management structure for a revamped ''Fortress Brookvale'' and would consider options including a state sports trust.
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/manly-reveal-grand-designs-20111001-1l2pk.html