Final stage locked in for GMHBA Stadium redevelopment
An additional $40 million in government funding has been secured to complete the five-stage redevelopment of Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium.
The $142 million final stage works will include the construction of a new two-tier 14,000-seat grandstand, to replace the ageing Ford Stand and Ablett Terrace at the northern end of the ground.
Work is expected to be finished in time for the 2023 season and once complete, GMHBA Stadium will seat 40,000 spectators – remaining as Australia’s largest regional stadium, while it may pave the way for Geelong to host all its home games and even finals at the venue.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula announced that the 2020/21 Victorian Budget will include the additional allocation to fully fund Stage 5 of the Kardinia Park redevelopment.
Kardinia Park Stadium Trust Chair, Stephen Gough welcomed Saturday’s announcement.
“We’re delighted with this investment from the Victorian Government which will deliver a world-class stadium designed to serve its community.” Gough said. “Kardinia Park continues to enhance its recognition as Australia’s best regional stadium.”
The Labor Government had previously committed $102 million, but will now fully-fund the project, with the final stage set to boost Geelong’s ability to attract national and international events.
As well as the new grandstand, work will also include a sports museum, retail space, function room, stadium Wi-Fi, LED signage, an entry plaza at the northern end of the stadium, a regional cricket hub outside the stadium and new change rooms for the Geelong Cricket Club.
Stage 5 was initially also to include the refurbishment of the Reg Hickey Stand, which was constructed as stage 1 of Kardinia Park’s redevelopment, however it appears those works may have been scrapped.
Stage 1 of the Geelong venue’s redevelopment was completed in early 2005, while the most recent stage was completed in 2017 and included the new Brownlow Stand and training and administration facilities for the Geelong Football Club, of which the Victorian Government contributed $75 million.
The project is expected to go to tender early next year, with work to commence following the 2021 AFL season and be completed prior to the 2023 AFL season, however it remains unclear what stage construction will be at during the T20 Cricket World Cup in October and November 2022, which the stadium is scheduled to host a handful of games.
Geelong MP Christine Couzens said: “The final stage of the Kardinia Park redevelopment means construction jobs for Geelong and the completion of the best and largest regional sporting facility in the country.”
Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said it’s hoped the Geelong Football Club could play all its home games at GMHBA stadium. The AFL club currently plays a handful of games at the MCG to take advantage of its increased capacity.
“Our expectation would be with 40,000 (capacity and) our investment in there, we would like to see the home games all at Kardinia Park.”
GMHBA Stadium attracts more than 400,000 spectators per year and hosts a range of events including AFL, BBL, WBBL and A-League matches.
