Future MCG major redevelopment on the cards

Talk has ramped up of late regarding a major redevelopment of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the 30-year-old Great Southern Stand in line for a rebuild.

The iconic ground was last redeveloped in time for the 2006 Commonwealth Games, with the completion of the new Ponsford, Members and Olympic Stands. The MCG’s capacity remains at 100,000, including seating for 95,000 spectators.

The 45,000-capacity Great Southern Stand opened in 1992 setting a new standard for stadium facilities at the time, and while it has been upgraded since then in 2012, a complete rebuild appears the most likely next step.

The Victorian government is preparing to complete a feasibility study that will decide the future of the Southern Stand.

According to The Age, sources have said the study was likely to recommend an entire rebuild of the stand, at a cost of more than $1 billion, with work potentially to start within five years.

An increase in capacity at what is already the southern hemisphere’s largest sports stadium is a hot topic, however it appears likely if it did increase, it would be no more than an additional 5,000.

It’s believed the Great Southern Stand has an anticipated life span of 40 years and the MCC is mindful of issues with the facility including limited disability access, especially to level four, older food and beverage options, outdated seating and congestion at entry and exit points.

The Melbourne Cricket Club, which manages the MCG, started a redevelopment feasibility study in the second half of last year as concerns grew the stand would soon be outclassed by newer stadiums around Australia including Optus Stadium, the under-construction Sydney Football Stadium and new Gabba ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

Once the study is complete, the MCC will then ask the State Government to complete the final stage of the business case, with the aim of starting construction by 2032 or sooner.

The MCG has a contract, via the Victorian Government and AFL, to host the Grand Final through until 2057, with the  responsibility for significant infrastructure work at the MCG and would be expected to foot the majority of the bill.

The State Government holds the responsibility for significant infrastructure work at the MCG and would be expected to foot the majority of the costs. As well as the Melbourne Cricket Club being a significant contributor, funding would also be sought from primary tenants including the AFL and Cricket Australia.

In response to questions from The Age, a government spokesman confirmed the feasibility work had so far been undertaken and funded by the MCC.

“We will always work with stadium management to assess the condition of our major venues and have a strong track record of delivering stadium upgrades across the state,” he said.