Builder and date set for GMHBA Stadium final redevelopment stage
The final stage of the GMHBA Stadium redevelopment, in which the Geelong stadium’s capacity will be boosted to 40,000, will get underway following the AFL season.
BESIX Watpac has been confirmed as the project builder for the fifth stage of the Kardinia Park stadium redevelopment, which will convert it into an all-seat venue.
The work will be funded by taxpayers, with the Victorian Government providing the sole funding of $142 million to deliver the final stage of the redevelopment at arguably Australia’s premier regional stadium.
BESIX Watpac has completed dozens of major stadium infrastructure projects across Australia including Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and sports facilities at Albert Park and Lakeside Stadium.
A new two-tier 14,000-capacity grandstand will be built at GMHBA Stadium’s northern end, to replace the ageing Ford Stand and Ablett Terrace.
More than 120 construction jobs will be created by the project, upgrading facilities for fans with a new northern entry plaza, sports museum and function room, while facilities for community sport will also be incorporated, including unisex change rooms, and administration facilities for the Geelong Cricket Club.
There will also be technology upgrades, including high-speed public Wi-Fi, new LED signage, a crowd management centre and additional CCTV capability will be added.
The redevelopment will also provide dedicated sustainability measures including solar panels to the roof of the new grandstand and provision for battery storage. The works are forecast to be completed in mid-2023.
Previous stages of the redevelopment have delivered the Brownlow, Players, Premiership and Reg Hickey stands along with broadcast-quality lighting and an array of function rooms.
Minor works have already commenced at the stadium in preparation for stage five, with enabling works getting underway last month, including the removal of the old video screen, diversion of underground services such as gas and electricity cables, and the relocation of the turf cricket wicket grow area to the south of the stadium.
