Stadium ready, behind-the-scenes brawl off and running
No longer a work in progress, the Melbourne Cricket Ground has re-opened for business as a completed stadium for the first time since September 2002.
But as the State Government, the Melbourne Cricket Club and developers Grocon conceded, perhaps the most interesting stage of the 55,000-seat redevelopment is still to come.
Grocon's multimillion-dollar claim against the MCC for costs incurred in speeding up the MCG project is no closer to being resolved than when it was revealed in the middle of last year.
MCG Trust chairman John Wylie mischievously touched on the dispute with a quip about Grocon managing director Daniel Grollo in speech at the official opening of the stadium yesterday.
"I'd liken him to an international soccer star, full of dash and style, produces quality work, but occasionally does want to be paid more," he said.
Mr Grollo said he was not particularly bothered by the comment, but was disappointed that such a grand project had finished in acrimonious circumstances.
"We have finished the stadium and it's a great stadium, so to complete it in disagreement is not a satisfying part of it," he said. "We are still finalising commercial issues surrounding the MCG, so for us, that's about the last stage of the process that we need to complete.
"I can't go into too much detail ... given that it's going to most likely end in a court proceeding." The claims are primarily linked to changes in the process of constructing the new northern stand.
Rather than build the new grandstand from west to east as planned, work started on both ends of the grandstand last year.
Plans were also redrawn to prepare the ground in time for AFL football on Anzac Day, April 25 -- several weeks earlier than the anticipated hand-back date.
The State Government must cover all costs on the project above $450 million.
Estimates value the project at about $434 million, but Grocon has confirmed its claims are for more than $50 million.
Premier Steve Bracks, who opened the stadium yesterday, said he was confident that taxpayers would not be burdened by Grocon's MCC action.
"We believe we are on very solid and strong ground to ensure we get an outcome that is in keeping with what the original budget was," he said. "If matters need to go to court, then they need to go to court."
Final touches to the stadium will continue over the 25 days remaining until the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
A 2.4-metre temporary security fence will be erected around the stadium, new flag poles will be installed and site sheds removed.
Final touches to media boxes and other facilities will also continue. The Queen's box, located on the old members' side of the ground is close to completion.
