- The fifth and final stage of development will see a new northern stand
- Capacity will reach 40,000
- Community and professional sports will benefit from improved facilities
Kardinia Park – the home of Geelong Football Club – is set for an upgrade with works to kick off after this footy season.
The Victorian State Government has dedicated $142 million towards the fifth stage of refurbishment which is expected to create 120 construction jobs.
Brisbane construction company BESIX Watpac has been appointed today as the project builder.
What the new, improved stadium will look like
The project’s highlight will be a new grandstand at the stadium’s northern end. The two-tier stand will replace the current Ford Stand and Gary Ablett Terrace.
The revamp will increase capacity from 36,000 to 40,000, which is hoped to attract more national and international events to the regional stadium.
Victoria’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula believes these works will benefit the community well into the future.
“Kardinia Park is an amazing asset for Geelong – and for Victoria – and with the creation of a new northern stand its transformation will be complete.”
Martin Pakula, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events
“The benefits of an increased stadium capacity and A-grade facilities will be enjoyed by sports fans and the wider community for decades to come,” Mr Pakula said.
The improvements will better facilities for both community and professional activities at the stadium.
These new facilities include unisex change rooms, a northern entry plaza, a sports museum and function rooms.
Geelong Cricket Club will benefit from new administration facilities.
Works will also include various technology updates such as additional CCTV capability, high-speed public wifi and LED signage.
Solar panels and provision for battery storage will top the upgrades.
Perks for apprentices
The works will provide a major training opportunity with a mandated 10% of tasks to be performed by apprentices, trainees and cadets under the ‘Major Project Skills Guarantee’.
In addition, a minimum of $1.2 million in goods and services are to be supplied by social enterprises.
“Kardinia Park is a key driver of economic activity in Geelong, and the fifth stage of this redevelopment will create scores of local jobs over the life of the project,” said Christine Couzens, Member for Geelong.
Previous stages of development
While this marks the fifth and final stage of redevelopment, Kardinia Park Stadium has seen significant upgrades in the past.
The first four stages of upgrades saw four new stands constructed, the Brownlow, Players, Premiership and Reg Hickey stands.
The stadium has also seen broadcast quality lights installed along with several function rooms.
Kardinia Park Chair, Stephen Gough, believes Kardinia Park Stadium is leading the way for stadiums globally.
“Continued investment has meant that Kardinia Park has not only kept abreast of global trends, but it is also setting the pace.”
“We can’t wait for the final piece of the redevelopment jigsaw to fall into place so we can provide an even better experience for fans and other users of this highly-adaptable stadium.”
Stephen Gough, Kardinia Park Chair
Works are expected to be completed by mid-2023.
