Blundstone upgrade unveiled

Austadiums • Monday 8th October 2012
Blundstone Arena redevelopment

Cricket Tasmania has unveiled its updated plans for the Blundstone Arena redevelopment, which is expected to cost more than $30 million.

The original plan, which had the entrance-exit from Bellerive Beach Park, was rejected by the Clarence City Council in June, forcing CT back to the architects.

The new design encroaches slightly onto the park, but CT chief executive David Johnston said it would take only 31 square metres and require the removal of one tree.

The redevelopment would site the main entrance-exit area on Derwent St, where the current indoor training facilities are located.

It would increase capacity from 15,000 to 20,000 and improve food and beverage facilities.

The plans were submitted to the council last Thursday and, if approved, work would start next May. Completion is planned for August-September 2014, ahead of the 2015 cricket World Cup.

So far, the Federal Government has contributed $15 million to the redevelopment.

CT chairman Tony Harrison said he was confident of securing the rest of the funding but would not elaborate on possible sources.

CT will hold an open day on Saturday between 10am and 1pm for the public to view the latest plans.

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SNAPSHOT
The proposal consists of:
• The demolition of several structures/features including the old players/members' pavilion, the Clarence District Cricket Club's rooms and the small Western Stand
• Modifications to the Clarence Football Club area
• A new Western Stand to add 5000 extra seats
• Other facilities, such as toilets, amenities and catering facilities
• Upgrading player and spectator areas to ICC standards in time for the World Cup in 2015
• New pedestrian entrance
• A bus interchange facility in Derwent St
• Bus priority measures through the traffic controlled intersection of Clarence St
• Provision of infrastructure for bicycle parking
ADVANTAGES OF PROPOSED SITE ENTRANCE
• This location will better segregate pedestrians from traffic than any of the alternative locations available
• Pedestrians will not have to walk through busy car parking and traffic areas to access the stadium
• It provides a safe area for a crowd to congregate in the event of an emergency evacuation
• The proximity of buses to the entrance and the stand will encourage the use of buses
Read more in tomorrow's Mercury.

Blundstone Arena

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Cricket Tasmania has unveiled its updated plans for the Blundstone Arena redevelopment, which is expected to cost more than $30 million.
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