Melbourne is set for a major revamp of its stadia, with the Etihad Stadium reported to be at the centre of plans to breathe new life into the Australian city’s venues.
The Herald Sun newspaper reports that the government is in the “final stages” of talks to upgrade the stadia, with “exciting announcements” expected to be made in 2018.
The news comes after plans were last year unveiled to demolish and rebuild two stadia in Sydney – Allianz Stadium and the ANZ Stadium. This news has sparked a backlash among Sydney residents, who feel that taxpayers’ money would be better spent elsewhere.
The Herald Sun notes that the government is keen to take a cautious approach when handing over public money to the AFL Aussie rules football league, the owner of the Etihad Stadium, due to the response to similar redevelopment plans in Sydney.
According to the newspaper, the AFL is confident of securing a Aus$300m renovation of the venue and hopes to increase the number of concerts, events and conferences it stages.
Acting Sports Minister Philip Dalidakis told the Herald Sun: “We know that we need to be continually improving our stadiums if we are to remain as Australia’s sporting capital and keep competing with the great sporting cities of the world.”
Richmond’s Punt Rd Oval and Carlton’s Ikon Park are also said to be included in the redevelopment plans.
The plans are reportedly set to be featured in the government’s election-year Budget, which will be announced in May.
The Herald Sun added that it is “unclear” whether the long-mooted transformation of the Melbourne Cricket Ground will form part of the renovation plans.
Image: Invincible
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