Work on the fifth stage of the Kardinia Park stadium redevelopment will begin after the AFL season with construction firm, BESIX Watpa, today confirmed as the project builder.
The Victorian Government has provided sole funding of $142 million to deliver the final stage of the landmark remaking of the regional stadium, supporting more than 120 construction jobs in the process.
BESIX Watpac has completed dozens of major infrastructure projects across Australia including Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and sports facilities at Albert Park and Lakeside Oval, and is currently building the City of Greater Geelong’s Civic Administration Building.
“We are delighted to have another major project in Geelong and we’re committed to maximising the local economic benefits we can bring through local procurement and by engaging local subcontractors,” said BESIX Watpac General Manager (Victoria), Simon Ballard.
At the heart of the Kardinia Park Stage Five project is the construction of a 14,000-capacity, two-tier northern stand to replace the ageing Ford Stand and Ablett Terrace. This will increase the stadium’s capacity to more than 40,000 people, boosting Geelong’s ability to attract and host national and international events.
The new stand will include facilities for professional and community sport, including unisex change rooms, and administration facilities for the Geelong Cricket Club.
Kardinia Park is widely used by the local community for activities and events, and this project will enhance facilities for patrons with a new northern entry plaza, sports museum, function room and a suite of technology upgrades including additional high-speed public wi-fi and LED signage.
“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,” said Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula.
“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.”
Stadium operations will be bolstered through the delivery of a new administration area for stadium and event staff, a crowd management centre and additional CCTV capability.
The redevelopment will also provide dedicated sustainability measures including solar panels to the roof of the new grandstand and provision for battery storage. The works are forecast to be completed in mid-2023.
Previous stages of the redevelopment have delivered the Brownlow, Players, Premiership and Reg Hickey stands along with broadcast-quality lighting and an array of function rooms.
Further information about the project is available at kardiniapark.vic.gov.au/stage-5.
