SCG to get makeover [Archive]

ToeJam

October 2nd, 2007, 01:45 AM

AUSTADIUMS.COM NEWS / Tuesday 4th September 2007
It's all looking bright for the SCG

The Sydney Cricket Ground will have the best and latest lighting for night sport following the commencement today of a major $2.5m upgrade of all light towers.

The headframes of all four existing light towers will be removed and replaced by new headframes which will provide state of the art on-field lighting for players, spectators and television viewers.

The two light towers, which were located on the old Hill, were removed earlier this year as part of the new Hill Grandstand project and will be replaced by two new towers which will be located on top of the lift shafts within the new Grandstand.

The new headframes will have 108 bulbs instead of the current 90 bulbs and will provide a better concentration of on-field lighting and minimal spillage.

“The new lights will significantly improve the lux levels and provide broader and more even illumination levels across the entire field of play,” said SCG Trust Chief Executive, Jamie Barkley.

“The existing lights are over 25 years old and use luminaire technology for that era.

“The new lights will be mounted in new headframes and located within the headframe enclosure significantly improving lighting intensity while reducing spill lighting.

“All four existing towers will be completed in the months ahead and will be ready for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy cricket match between Australia and New Zealand at the SCG on Sunday, December 16,” he added.

ToeJam

October 2nd, 2007, 01:48 AM

also the second crane is up

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/8472/scgcranesgj8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

CULWULLA

October 26th, 2007, 06:11 AM

today from museum tower
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2081/1753399836_7776dd37ed_b.jpg

ToeJam

December 28th, 2007, 04:27 AM

Quite a lot of progress since last pic, it looks like they are up to the second tier on one side.

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/4678/scgho5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

docker

January 7th, 2008, 06:54 AM

great ground. great location. great atmosphere!

http://img270.imageshack.us/img270/102/untitled0df1.jpg

does this mean the o'riely stand is being developed aswell, because it looks different in the pic to how it is, with that third tier?

anyway
http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/1878/dsc00035copylz3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/3286/dsc00036copygr0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/2513/dsc00038copyzo9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

bing222

January 25th, 2008, 12:30 AM

I Went to the cricket NSW VS WA and the construction site and its above plans

bing222

April 18th, 2008, 03:30 AM

http://www.scgt.nsw.gov.au/Webcams/SCG2/live_image.jpg

look at the constrcution site it is really taking shape

bing222

April 18th, 2008, 09:30 AM

http://www.scgt.nsw.gov.au/Webcams/SCG2/live_image.jpg

look at the constrcution site it is really taking shape

bing222

May 16th, 2008, 05:57 AM

The SCG Trust has confirmed the new Hill Grandstand will be named after a cricketer who has played for NSW and Australia and must have been retired for at least 10 years.

The new Stand, currently under construction, is expected to be opened in December.

SCG Trust Chairman, Mr Rodney Cavalier, said the name will be chosen from the NSW Team Of The Century which was announced by Cricket NSW last year.

The NSW Team of the Century was (in alphabetical order) Richie Benaud, Don Bradman, Alan Davidson, Ray Lindwall, Charlie Macartney, Arthur Morris, Billy Murdoch, Bill O'Reilly, Bob Simpson, Victor Trumper, Charles Turner and Steve Waugh.

Sir Donald Bradman and Bill O’Reilly both have existing stands named after them. Steve Waugh retired in 2004.

“Cricket NSW has done the job of providing us with a shortlist of players chosen by an expert panel,” said Mr Cavalier.

“We are now inviting SCG Members for their views based on this criterion,” he added.

“Cricket has been played on our Grounds since its inception. Some on the shortlist were playing before many of us were born. Many have very little or no newsreel footage of them in action. The evidence of our own eyes is not the end of the matter,” he explained.

“Instead, the Trust will be attempting to make a selection based on the esteem of a player by his contemporaries, his standing in the annals of the game, his contribution to the game beyond the field of play, his wider contribution to sport and society. The Trust will seek to balance these factors one against the other.”

An announcement will be made next month.

LanceDriver

May 16th, 2008, 06:25 AM

In that case, the chances are it will be called the Richie Benaud stand i bet...

Jim856796

May 18th, 2008, 08:01 AM

They should probably remove the Daily Messenger Stand because it is too boring.

el-capitano

June 12th, 2008, 07:44 AM

The new "Hill" stand at the SCG will be named after Victor Trumper, a peerless batsman with strong links to three football codes also played at the ground.

The $70 million stand, with 8,700 undercover seats, will open in December, in good time for the new year Test against South Africa starting on January 3.

Trumper, born within walking distance of the ground, died of kidney failure in 1915 at the age of 37.

The Victor Trumper stand will take the SCG's capacity to 47,000.

The stand will have a large bar, a 500-seat corporate dining room and a 250-seat function room.

http://news.smh.com.au/sport/new-scg-stand-named-after-victor-trumper-20080612-2pdi.html

bing222

June 12th, 2008, 08:21 AM

The new Hill stand at the SCG will be named after Victor Trumper, a peerless batsman with strong links to three football codes also played at the ground.

The $70 million stand, with 8700 undercover seats, will open in December, in good time for the New Year's Test against South Africa starting on January 3.

"He is the finest Test cricketer Australia has produced," SCG Trust chairman Rod Cavalier said.

"His peers did not have a bad word to say of him in life or death. None who saw Victor Trumper conceded they ever saw his equal."

Cavalier said that Trumper, the first player to make a pre-lunch hundred, deserved the honour above all others as a cricketer alone.

"Consider, then, that Vic played representative games of rugby union and Australian football on our ground," he said.

"He was good enough at Australian football that he could well have played for the Swans if that possibility had existed."

Trumper was also instrumental in the establishment of rugby league, was the league's first treasurer, and helped to organise the first game, played at the SCG 100 years ago this month.

"In its centenary year, rugby league will regard a stand named after Trumper as honouring a founder of their sport," Cavalier said.

Trumper, born within walking distance of the ground, died of kidney failure in 1915 at the age of 37.

The Victor Trumper stand will take the SCG's capacity to 47,000.

The stand will have a large bar, a 500-seat corporate dining room and a 250-seat function room.

Fabian

June 12th, 2008, 11:57 PM

I saw that on the news last night. The new stand is looking good. Huge!!!.

LanceDriver

June 13th, 2008, 03:46 AM

now that i've looked into it more, it's a great decision and very interesting.

CULWULLA

June 26th, 2008, 02:15 AM

its turning out great

CULWULLA

June 26th, 2008, 02:55 AM

some pix of towers
new headframes
replaced aug07
the new frames have 180 bulbs instead of current 90.
http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/78900/78983.jpg

http://www.wrightysworld.com/Wrighty/images/Travels/Australia/2005_02a_0014.JPG

bing222

June 26th, 2008, 08:45 AM

nice photos

ToeJam

July 7th, 2008, 04:56 AM

looks like the concrete structure is just about finished, itll look good when the roof is cladded and the seats are in

http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/7403/scg2hu1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/7848/scg3jb0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

ToeJam

July 12th, 2008, 02:51 AM

The chairs are starting to go in at the top left of the stand, its starting to look good.

bing222

July 12th, 2008, 08:20 AM

It is starting to look like a grandstand now

ToeJam

July 17th, 2008, 12:30 AM

crane is down, structure and roof is finished

abc

July 20th, 2008, 12:34 AM

What are the three tower cranes up near Royal Randwick building?

bing222

August 20th, 2008, 09:21 AM

Well you can knock me over with a feather but it turns out the next phase of redevelopment of the SCG will be to pull down the Noble/Bradman Stands and replace with a similar structure to the new Trumper Stand. The Messenger Stand will also be removed as part of this redevelopment. Total capacity will rise by another 3,000 seats or so.

There's artist impression is in the latest SCG Trust Update (or whatever they call it) - will try and get a scan in if I can. There's a conspicuous lack of timeframe mentioned though - "talking to the government" about the possibilities, so I guess they're going to try and hit the State/Federal government up for some help with the cost.

ToeJam

September 12th, 2008, 03:21 AM

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/the-cost-of-taking-a-stand-can-be-high/2008/09/11/1220857740007.html

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/7889/scg4pe8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The cost of taking a stand can be high
Jano Gibson Urban Affairs Reporter
September 12, 2008

THEY may not be the best seats in the house, but they will surely be the most expensive.

A plan to demolish and replace the SCG's Bradman, M.A. Noble and Dally Messenger stands to boost seating by 2725 will cost $45,000 for each additional seat.

The Sydney Cricket Ground Trust has lodged an application with the Department of Planning to undertake a $124 million redevelopment of the venue that would allow 48,000 people to attend cricket, Australian rules and rugby league matches.

"Our spectator comfort is paramount," a spokesman for the trust said. "We want to make sure their experience coming to the SCG meets their expectation of coming to a top-class international facility."

While fans are likely to be happy with the prospect of additional seating and improved facilities, the naming of the replacement structure could become contentious.

Former Test cricketer Doug Walters said he was disappointed, particularly for his children, that last year the stand bearing his name had been replaced with a structure named after the great Victor Trumper, who died in 1915.

When asked if Sir Don Bradman's name would be retained on the replacement grandstand, a trust spokesman made no promises.

"We haven't even got this approved yet," he said. "Decisions about stands - the names - haven't been considered at all. It's far too premature to even speculate."

The trust's development application, submitted in May, says it hopes to complete the project before the start of the Ashes series in late 2010. But the spokesman said the timing of the project had yet to be finalised.

The Sydney Swans, who play most of their home games at the SCG, will lose seating capacity during the construction of the new facilities.

But the club's chief executive, Miles Baron-Hay, said he understood the development would not begin until after the 2010-11 Ashes series. "We have no confirmation that works will commence in 2009 and don't expect that they will," he said.

The plan also includes extending the area of play, the shortest in the Australian Football League competition,

by three metres at the Paddington end. This will be in addition to the three metres added at the opposite end during the construction of the Trumper Stand, which opens later this year.

Although footballers will have to kick the ball further to score, the trust spokesman said the change would not affect the chances of a batsman hitting fours or sixes, because the boundary would be determined by a rope, not the fence line.

The SCG dates back to 1851, when the British army used it as a cricket ground for soldiers. Over the following half century several stands were built, of which only the Members Pavilion and Ladies Stand remain.

ToeJam

September 12th, 2008, 03:24 AM

i would've thought that the Bill O'Reilly stand would have been next along with the Dally Messenger stand and better integration of the scoreboard but i guess thats probably next on the agenda.

LanceDriver

September 12th, 2008, 03:43 AM

we are not losing any heritage stands are we?

ToeJam

September 12th, 2008, 05:59 AM

the members and ladies pavilion are the main heritage stands and they are both staying. The bradman and MA noble stands are being demolished aswell as the dally messenger stand, dunno whether you would consider them heritage?

hornetfig

September 12th, 2008, 08:07 AM

dunno whether you would consider them heritage?

Probably not architecturally.

I think the newspaper article goes for sensationalism and that overshadows the point - it's not so much increasing ground capacity as it is improving access, views and facilities for spectators. The Noble stand dates from the 30s, the Bradman stand from the early 1970s. The latter is not particularly well constructed.

I'm just surprised that the ground goes 20 years with no activity and suddenly they're prepared to reconstruct a good 1/3 of it...

bing222

September 12th, 2008, 08:10 AM

I hope it does go ahead

docker

September 14th, 2008, 12:41 PM

i would've thought that the Bill O'Reilly stand would have been next along with the Dally Messenger stand and better integration of the scoreboard but i guess thats probably next on the agenda.

i'm thinking they are redeveloping the bradman stand next because it will allow them to extend the length of the field again, because during the construction of the Trumper stand the ground was expanded 3m or so, so the afl ground didn't have the centre square intersecting the 50m lines, so it would make sense for why they would redevelop the bradman stand now, just a thought

bing222

September 15th, 2008, 08:34 AM

If you look at the webcam they are re-laying the turf!

bing222

September 25th, 2008, 10:19 AM

More recently, the Trust has announced that planning is underway for the redevelopment of the MA Noble and Bradman Stands and removal of the Dally Messenger Stand. The redevelopment, which is subject to funding and planning approvals but should be completed by the 2015 Cricket World Cup, would further increase the capacity of the ground to over 50,000 spectators.

Thats from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Cricket_Ground

Cariad

September 26th, 2008, 02:51 AM

I also hear they are applying for more land to build car park and retail. Clover is fighing tooth and nail to stop park land being taken away.

Cactus

March 18th, 2009, 12:24 AM

Another view of the next stage of the SCG redevelopment.
The overhang of this design, like the new Hill stand should make it possible to wrap right around the eastern side without touching the studios next door.
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/1127/scgstands.png

CULWULLA

March 18th, 2009, 12:51 AM

looks good. those towers look different?

CULWULLA

March 26th, 2009, 12:04 AM

recent view
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/3378923588_87a0bbfef4_o.jpg

Jim856796

June 17th, 2009, 12:39 AM

The next stage of redevelopment consists of demolition of the north and northeast stands and the construction of a whole new stand. Another new stand may be constructed on the site of the northwest stands to "complete" the stadium's redevelopment, but that would require demolition of the two oldest stands, so I wouldn't want to construct a stand like that. And on the rendering shown on Cactus's post, the new northern stand has an "overexaggerated" design. Any new stand constructed in the SCG should look similar to the New Hill Grandstand.

Cactus

June 17th, 2009, 03:41 AM

The proposed Noble/Bradman curved roof is similar to the new Hill stand.
The Members and Ladies stands have been in place for well over 120 years and will continue for many more years as a beautiful connection to the grounds rich sporting history.

ToeJam

August 5th, 2009, 07:53 AM

The new stand will be done now in 2 stages, first is the MA Noble Stand due to be completed at the end of 2010

i think they are doing this so there isn't any construction going on during the Ashes

http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/page/project-sectors/tourism---recreation/major-sporting-facilities/?action=view_job&job_id=3392

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/222/scg6.jpg

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/5267/scg5.jpg

el-capitano

September 2nd, 2009, 05:51 AM

THE NSW Government is set to sign a $60 million deal to redevelop one of the oldest stands at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the M.A. Noble, with work scheduled to commence before the start of the home summer.

Plans are also under way to eventually redevelop the Bradman and Messenger stands. All three stands will be rebuilt to accommodate more seats, but will retain their names.

SCG Trust chief executive Jamie Barkley said earlier this year that the Trumper Stand was the first of three parts for a ''masterplan'' to increase capacity to 50,000, with the Noble, Bradman and Messenger stands to be rebuilt by the 2015 cricket World Cup. The final phase includes upgrading the O'Reilly Stand.

''We will be knocking down the Bradman, Noble and Messenger stands to make sure we get that circular concourse and stand continuous around the ground, while maintaining the heritage aspects of the SCG. The Ladies Pavilion and the Members Pavilion will always remain … they are untouchable.''

Noble Stand to get $60m facelift - Cricket - Sport - smh.com.au (http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/cricket/noble-stand-to-get-60m-facelift/2009/09/01/1251570710437.html)

Cariad

September 2nd, 2009, 08:10 AM

Forgive me if this is a silly question, but why are each stand individual? As in they all have their own appearence, why not just one large cricket stadium, of course keeping the members and ladies stand?

Joelby

September 2nd, 2009, 11:18 AM

I've always wondered the same. It looks like a patchwork mess to me.

mrgazpacho

September 2nd, 2009, 04:35 PM

I'd say... first of all, way back then, I doubt mega-sporting complexes were all the rage in the colonies. Notice how far apart (in time) the stands were built. And we even had The Hill until fairly recently, with no stand at all.

Of course, budget would have to be a consideration. $60 million for one stand is a fair whack - think about doing all of them at once (in effect). Even if we wanted to do a knockdown-rebuild a la Wembley, I don't think Australia / NSW could really afford it.

CULWULLA

May 27th, 2010, 12:07 AM

we now have a heigth data base of whole sydney area.
just measured scg lights
did they erect the tower in centre of victor trumper stand? thats missing from data.
funny how there not all same height?
ground RL =40m.
tallest is 70m (RL110m) victor trumper stand.
others
noble stand tower=65m
bradman stand tower=65m
bewongle stand tower=64m
ladies pavillion tower=64m

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/5267/scg5.jpg

bing222

August 26th, 2010, 06:48 AM

Its about time.

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2010/08/sydne ... this-year/

Has there been anything further to the Noble Stand renovation. I thought they were supposed to be pulling it down in mid 2010....

bing222

September 21st, 2010, 01:29 PM

the ground is getting levelled out

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/after-150-years-scg-finally-gets-a-level-playing-field-20100920-15jtd.html

AllifialhL

September 21st, 2010, 03:05 PM

Hey got a question. It doesn't really fit to this thread but its about a picture on it. The fourth one from bottom that shows the two stadiums, what is the building in front of Aussie Stadium. Its the old really long one. I walked past it ages ago when was last in Paddington and didn't really notice it because I think its behind a big wall. Its number 75 (not sure which street, maybe Oxford). I googled and google mapped it and didn't really find anything....

Thanks to whoever answers.

papervagina

September 21st, 2010, 03:40 PM

Victoria Barracks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Barracks,_Sydney)

Fabian

January 3rd, 2012, 07:43 AM

OK guys, here are the details for the next stage.

From The Sydney Morning Herald (smh.com.au)

$186m facelift for the grand old lady of sport
Glenn Jackson
January 3, 2012

Graphics of second phase of redeveloment of the SCG.

http://images.smh.com.au/2012/01/02/2869965/ipad-art-wide-a2-SCG-420x0.jpg
Multi-tiered … an artist's impression of the new Northern Pavilion.

YOU don't get to 100 Test matches without looking a little frayed around the edges. But today, on the historic occasion of the start of the 100th Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, it will be announced that the grand old lady will be getting a facelift.

A $186 million redevelopment, which will be funded by the state and federal governments and the SCG Trust, is set to be announced prior to the start of today's Test match between Australia and India.

Work is likely to begin on the second stage of a four-part redesign - which will see the Noble, Bradman and Messenger stands demolished and replaced by a multi-level grandstand, for now called the Northern Pavilion - in March. It is hoped the works, which will raise the capacity of the ground from 45,758 to just below 48,000, will be completed by the Ashes Test of January 2014.
Advertisement: Story continues below

The redevelopment will include a video screen-scoreboard which will be the largest in Australia, almost double the size of the current screen in the Messenger Stand.

The three stands will be demolished in the redevelopment, with the exception of the Noble Stand clock tower, which is of heritage significance.

It is not known what the new stand will be called, however it is believed the three incumbent names - all referring to iconic Australian sportsmen - will be considered by the Trust.

The new stand will also include a grand entry atrium, redeveloped bar areas including a Skyline Terrace - an upper-tier open landscaped area with views of the city - as well as corporate suites, media facilities, new AFL dressing rooms and a secure player arrival area.

It is expected the new design will allow unobstructed viewing for all spectators and covered seating for 85 per cent of them.

The state government will contribute $86 million, while the federal government and the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust have each pledged $50 million for the project.

The first stage of the redevelopment, which replaced the old Yabba's Hill and Doug Walters Stand with the Victor Trumper Stand, was completed in 2008. Stages three and four are expected to include revamping the Brewongle, Churchill and O'Reilly Stands.

The announcement will be timely, considering the historical aspect of the start of today's second Test against India.

Indian great Sachin Tendulkar is chasing 100 international hundreds, while the SCG will notch a century of its own, becoming just the third ground in world cricket to host 100 Test matches - following Lord's and the MCG.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/186m-facelift-for-the-grand-old-lady-of-sport-20120102-1pifd.html#ixzz1iNImabCu

Brizer

January 3rd, 2012, 08:01 AM

Tendulkah didn't make it.

Heard Rod Cavalier on ABC 702 this morning & it brought out of few troglodytes on both the rebuilding and the question of tram line/s to the area. Why do these Aulde Phartes bother? Clearly wisdom does not come with age in some cases, or even approach a vague facsimile of it - 'spoken' by someone getting dangerously close in years but, I hope not in brain & attitude to the state of Aulde Phartedom!

ToeJam

January 3rd, 2012, 12:52 PM

Renders of the new northern stand at the SCG from http://www.sydneycricketground.com.au/venues/capital-works/

From outside:
http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/8234/scgredevelopment1.jpg

From inside:
http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/5923/scgredevelopment4.jpg

The new scoreboard "almost twice as big as the current one":
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/4071/scgredevelopment2.jpg

The overall masterplan after stage 3 is completed:
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/1683/scgredevelopment3.jpg

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Fabian

January 3rd, 2012, 08:55 PM

I dont know if there is a need for a bigger scoreboard, but I know the existing one is difficult to view from some angles.

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/8829/img6391x.jpg
By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2012-01-03

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/9692/img6392bc.jpg
By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2012-01-03

Cactus

January 4th, 2012, 01:53 AM

Renders of the new northern stand at the SCG from http://www.sydneycricketground.com.au/venues/capital-works/

The overall masterplan after stage 3 is completed:
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/1683/scgredevelopment3.jpg

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

This overall plan looks fantastic.

Fabian

January 4th, 2012, 03:00 AM

I agree but residents in nearby Moore Park are already objecting to any expansion even though it wont impinge on any private properties. Its all about the traffic.

Brizer

January 4th, 2012, 03:04 AM

Ipggi

January 4th, 2012, 03:46 AM

They should be grateful that there is not a successful theme park or retail precinct there.

Cactus

January 4th, 2012, 04:31 AM

I agree but residents in nearby Moore Park are already objecting to any expansion even though it wont impinge on any private properties. Its all about the traffic.

Incredible. Is this the same area that could cope with 2 football games, a race meeting and 70,000 people visiting the easter show all on the same day.

Fabian

January 4th, 2012, 06:03 AM

I remember those days of the show at Moore Park and my parents parking one kilometre away in Moore Park (suburb) and the long rows of parked cars on every single patch of turf. Nobody complained either from memory.

Sky_Is_The_Limit

January 4th, 2012, 01:19 PM

Par for the course, tho' those basic facilities have been there a lot longer than the current residents who should have known it comes with the territory.
They should be pushing instead for the tram line/s & contribute something positive.

!!!!

It is good to see the State Government reach into its pocket to invest in sporting infrastructure in order to keep major events at the SCG. There might be bigger and newer venues around Australia (and indeed in Sydney) but the SCG has long been the home of cricket in Sydney and is a wonderful ground.

Fabian

January 4th, 2012, 09:02 PM

There is no better place for Cricket in Sydney than the SCG. Your close to the action and as yesterday shows, a place where history is made. It is more initimate too, which provides for a good atmosphere.

Alphaville

January 5th, 2012, 07:58 AM

Looks wonderful. I live only about a 5minute walk from Moore Park and it would be nice to see a redevelopment of the SCG that will give it some consistency of design, like the 2006 redevelopment did for the MCG.

Fabian

July 22nd, 2012, 10:11 PM

July 2012

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/8066/img2084k.jpg
By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2012-07-13

Mornnb

July 23rd, 2012, 02:03 AM

It's capacity is being upgraded from 46 000 to 50 000. Not a major upgrade by any means.

Persico

July 23rd, 2012, 03:55 AM

Plans to fix up the whole precinct

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2012/07/20/1226431/279583-sydney-arena.jpg

THIS is the grand vision of a sweeping overhaul of the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium that will rival London's Wembley.

Promising to overhaul the SCG and its surrounds into a dream sports and entertainment venue, the new masterplan reveals a blueprint for the return of Sydney as the nation's sporting capital.

Not only does it seek to turn Allianz Stadium into Sydney's first all-weather sports venue with a new roof, the plan also proposes all car parking at Moore Park be underground.

There will also be a light rail platform and redesigned traffic access in a bid to end commuter chaos.

SCG Trust chief executive Jamie Barkley said that when the masterplan was complete, Sydney would have "the best cricket ground in the world".

Pitched as a "sporting oasis", the plan proposes to bring a new international sport and entertainment precinct to the doorstep of the CBD, with new plazas, ovals, cafes, restaurants and sports bars.

A new transport plan, with a light rail link to Moore Park as its centrepiece, also proposes two underground carparks.

Pedestrians will get relief from dodging traffic on South Dowling St and Anzac Pde with a new footbridge over both of those major roads and walkways to Paddington to help revive Oxford St.

With parking underground, the Moore Park fields will be transformed into new sports grounds and parks that the trust hopes will rival Olympic Park in Munich and Millennium Park in Chicago.

Mr Barkley said the carparks would ease jams and the light rail and more buses would mean people travelling to the games would be able to avoid the congestion.

"We want Sydneysiders out of their homes and having a great day out," he said.

"We are putting all that car parking underground (and Moore Park) will be returned as parkland and playing fields. They will be there for people to enjoy (and) we hope they will be compared to Hyde Park in London."

Mr Barkley said he hoped funding would be secured to enable the project to be completed by 2020.

Already, a $186 million refurbishment of the SCG stands is underway, to be ready by the 2014 Ashes.

Documents before the state government suggest refurbishing the Allianz Stadium will have an economic benefit of $120 million and warns that without the wider vision the 24-year-old stadium will become expensive to maintain and require significant upgrades to remain one of Sydney's premier venues.s for sports and concerts.

Allianz Stadium is home to more teams than any other in the country,including the Sydney Swans, Sydney Roosters, Sydney FC, the Waratahs, Western Tigers, Sydney 6ers and NSW Cricket a new home.

It has hosted major entertainment events, from Aida to rock star Robbie Williams.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/here-you-go-sports-fans-sydneys-about-to-get-its-very-own-wembley/story-fndo317g-1226431256795

Fabian

July 23rd, 2012, 05:06 AM

It's capacity is being upgraded from 46 000 to 50 000. Not a major upgrade by any means.

Dont forget its also about improving the facilites for the patrons that watch events at the ground. Providing a comfortable experience is key especially in an era where it is just as tempting to stay home and watch it on TV.

sbx

July 23rd, 2012, 05:24 AM

The last thing they should be doing is increasing the capacity :bash:

The stadium should never have been built that big. 25K is all we need.

Mornnb

July 23rd, 2012, 06:22 AM

What are you talking about? Larger stadiums are good for the sports and provide more seats for the fans!

shabangabang

July 23rd, 2012, 06:28 AM

We are hosting the cricket world cup in 2015. 25k capacity would mean all games would be played outside of Sydney. Stupid idea. :nuts:
Love the idea of the roof over the SFS. That would be brilliant.

Ipggi

July 23rd, 2012, 07:01 AM

We are hosting the cricket world cup in 2015. 25k capacity would mean all games would be played outside of Sydney. Stupid idea. :nuts:

That is rubbish... the 1999 World Cup in the UK had the majority of matches in on grounds with capacities of 4k to 22k, even Lord's which held the final only holds 28,000.

Fabian

July 23rd, 2012, 08:53 AM

What are you talking about? Larger stadiums are good for the sports and provide more seats for the fans!

Its the experience and atmosphere that counts. The capacity is quite ideal. Not too big, not too small. Everyone is close to the action.

ChrisJudd83

July 23rd, 2012, 09:28 AM

What a stupid idea reducing capacity!!! The more people the bigger the atmosphere

skytea

July 23rd, 2012, 01:19 PM

What a stupid idea reducing capacity!!! The more people the bigger the atmosphere

Completely untrue. I've been in dead quiet games with 80k people (homebush) and lively exciting loud grounds (SFS) with 25k.

Both Sydney FC.

Fabian

July 23rd, 2012, 03:37 PM

Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane has a capacity of around 52 000 and yet the place is a tinderbox at capacity.

As for the atmosphere in bigger size stadiums, it really depends on the stadium itself. There are massive stadiums with massive atmosphere.

ANZ Stadium does not have the atmosphere of either Allianz Stadium or the SCG. The big fault with ANZ is how far back everyone is.

If you look at sporting history in Sydney, its not necessarily the bigger stadiums like ANZ where the big events happen. The SCG and Allianz have seen their share of great sporting moments.

BuildBigger

July 25th, 2012, 03:26 PM

Is a case of the sfs and the scg being around for longer meaning they have had the opportunity to host the big events? Also on sport nights the traffic is backed all the way to the warringah freeway which would be somewhat solved with light rail...

Fabian

July 25th, 2012, 10:14 PM

The sporting venues at Moore Park also have established traditions as well.

sbx

July 26th, 2012, 02:18 PM

Atmosphere often depends on the ratio of attendance to ground capacity. Sydney FC attract 15k on average in a 45k stadium. Less than a quarter full. It's a decent attendance rate for a club under 10 years old, but is made a mockery of due to playing in a white elephant of a ground. 90% of stadiums in this country are built way beyond what's required. They build for the blockbuster games which come around once in a blue moon. Focus less on capacity and more on the actual spectators. FFS the majority of stadiums don't even have adequate roofing to protect people from the elements. Millions of dollars are lost year upon year because ground trusts don't have their priorities right. Spend the money wisely and improve the facilities.

sbx

July 26th, 2012, 02:23 PM

What are you talking about? Larger stadiums are good for the sports and provide more seats for the fans!

How often are these grounds even close to full? It happens only around the Finals. 8-10 games out of 200+ a year. I guess larger stadiums are good if you enjoy looking at a sea of blue seats round after round.

Fabian

July 26th, 2012, 10:22 PM

BuildBigger

July 28th, 2012, 04:48 AM

This may just be one aspect of Australian infrastructure that we build for the future/way beyond capacity. Now to transfer type of thinking to development and transport :lol:

Ipggi

July 30th, 2012, 05:01 AM

Atmosphere often depends on the ratio of attendance to ground capacity. Sydney FC attract 15k on average in a 45k stadium. Less than a quarter full. It's a decent attendance rate for a club under 10 years old, but is made a mockery of due to playing in a white elephant of a ground. 90% of stadiums in this country are built way beyond what's required. They build for the blockbuster games which come around once in a blue moon.

I think it depends on the code. AFL in certain states have much higher average attendances than A League or NRL do in NSW. For 2011 Collingwood matches in Melbourne attracted 60,000 ppl on average. While the top average attendance for NRL in Sydney was Canterbury with 19,500 on average in attendance.