APT Asia Pacific Pty Ltd
APT (Advanced Polymer Technology) is the leading global manufacturer of polyurethane-based materials, acrylic coatings and synthetic turf products for sporting and recreational applications. From…
read moreThis week’s Victorian budget has confirmed funds to kick-start planning and design for Stage 5 of the redevelopmentof Geelong’s Simonds Stadium.
Aiming to transform Simonds Stadium (Kardinia Park) into the best sporting arena in regional Australia the Victorian budget 2017/18 will invest $3.9 million for the next stage of the redevelopment of Geelong Football Club’s historic home.
The development will see the Stadium’s Ford Stand and Gary Ablett Terrace demolished to make way for a new grandstand which is expected to take the site’s capacity to 40,000 - almost as much as Subiaco or the Gabba.
The redevelopment will see the end of standing at the venue and cap 12 years of development that has transformed the city’s footballing heart into Australia’s leading sports venue outside of a capital city.
The new funding pledge comes as the final touches are being put on the Stadium’s landmark $90 million stage 4 redevelopment which is planned to be unveiled in time for the Geelong Cats to take on reigning AFL Premiers the Western Bulldogs on Friday 19th May.
Along with AFL games, Simonds Stadium has also hosted international cricket for the very first time, along with football, rugby union and rugby league.
Geelong Football Club Chief Executive Brian Cook said he and the club were pleased to hear of the State Government’s commitment, stating “our club is very happy with the State Government decision to fund the design work leading up to the possible construction of the final stage of redevelopment at Simonds Stadium.
“We all look forward to the completion of the stadium.”
The stage 5 planning and design work is expected to begin immediately and take place over the next 12 months, and be completed in time for the Victorian Government to consider it for the 2018/19 budget.
By that time local health insurance company GMHBA will take over as the site’s naming rights sponsor, with Kardinia Park to be known as GMHBA Stadium from 2018.
Close to $200 million has already been spent on upgrading the venue since the stage one redevelopment of the Hickey Stand, which was opened in May 2006.
Funding has come from the AFL ($11.75 million), Geelong council ($16.5 million), Geelong Football Club ($18.13 million) and the Federal Government ($24 million), with the Victorian Government funding the major part of the project by investing $121 million.
Image: Architect's rendering of the completed Simonds Stadium/Kardinia Park.
3rd May 2017 - VICTORIAN BUDGET PROVIDES FUNDS FOR AQUATICS, EVENTS, SPORT AND TOURISM
30th December 2016 - GEELONG LOOKS FORWARD TO MAY RETURN TO SIMONDS STADIUM
30th March 2016 - KARDINIA PARK STADIUM TRUST UNVEILED
6th October 2015 - UPGRADE BEGINS AT SIMONDS STADIUM
28th July 2015 - AFL BACKS FUNDING FOR SIMONDS STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT
12th February 2015 - STEVE BRACKS TO HEAD NEW KARDINIA PARK TRUST
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
APT (Advanced Polymer Technology) is the leading global manufacturer of polyurethane-based materials, acrylic coatings and synthetic turf products for sporting and recreational applications. From…
read moreTrack. Engage. Retain GreeneDesk is a suite of cloud based software solutions helping health clubs, leisure centres and swim schools to effectively track progression, improve customer engagement and…
read moreProSlide is the global leader in water ride design and manufacturing, supplying high-performance water attractions to new and expanding water parks around the world. For over three decades, ProSlide…
read moreSimplySwim is a school management solution that helps swimming school owners and managers optimize operations by automating functions such as managing class schedules, billing and…
read morePathMinder Pty Ltd have partnered with AllUser Industries srl to bring Europe’s most advanced high security portals to the Australian and New Zealand markets. AllUser Industries started to…
read moreQuayclean are a national cleaning and waste services partner with proven results in the understanding and delivery of cleaning needs and challenges faced by facilities including; major venues and…
read moreCommercial Aquatics Australia provides aquatic solutions nationwide and is one of the largest and most experienced companies specialising in the design, construction, renovation, service, maintenance…
read morerevolutioniseSPORT is the emerging market leader in online club management in Australia. Whether it is memberships, registrations, events, online sales or governance tools - revolutioniseSPORT is the…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!