Bold vision for ANZ Stadium
Sydney’s ANZ Stadium has released detailed redevelopment plans to transform the Olympic venue into one of the most cutting-edge sports and entertainment precincts in the world.
It was announced on Tuesday that global construction and engineering company Laing O’Rourke has been selected to carry out a proposed $350 million redevelopment of the Stadium, in line with the NSW Government’s Stadia Strategy and the Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan Vision released by the NSW Government in July 2013.
Key features of the redevelopment include new retractable seating bringing fans within five metres of the action, retractable roof, home team theming and improved facilities inside and outside of the stadium.
The Homebush venue continues to host numerous events and over 21 million fans have passed through the gates since it opened in 1999. However the venue is often criticised for not having enough seats close to the action, generating poor atmosphere especially at smaller events.
Moveable grandstands at both ends of the Stadium would bring fans as close as 5m to the field of play by creating a perfect rectangle for Rugby League, Rugby Union and Football. Fans will be as close and in some instances closer to the action behind the goals than they are at Allianz Stadium, Suncorp Stadium and the iconic Emirates and Wembley stadiums in London. ANZ Stadium would retain the ability to be configured for AFL and Cricket and capacity would remain at over 80,000.
A new retractable roof would open or close in 20 minutes and weather-proof all events to ensure perfect playing conditions and spectator comfort all-year round.
An intimate mode will be created by curtained off the top-level seating tiers using a hi-tech lighting system to create a more intimate atmosphere for smaller events.
A proposed dynamic entertainment zone will wrap around the Stadium, bringing life, colour and energy to the precinct 365 days a year. New bars, cafes and restaurants are planned for both inside and out, creating a vibrant event destination.
While the Stadium redevelopment will coincide with the construction of the WestConnex motorway, which will cut travelling time from the CBD to ANZ Stadium in half. The NSW Government is also considering a proposal for a Light Rail corridor between Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park.
