A new elevated entry level and huge new scoreboards are some of the changes proposed for Australia’s famous Gabba cricket stadium, according to a report inadvertently leaked to television channel ABC in an embarrassing error by Queensland authorities.
The plans for the 42,000-capacity Brisbane venue, which was built in 1895, were drawn up last year but not released by the authorities in Queensland.
However, the state government mistakenly sent the full top secret report to ABC following a right to information request. No mention of cost is included, and the development could take up to 20 years to be completed.
There have been concerns over the Gabba’s future after it lost the first Test match of the summer to Perth’s new stadium.
The extraordinary new Gabba plans you weren’t meant to see yet https://t.co/UF8nVH81ux pic.twitter.com/zqlzV2KeCd
— ABC Brisbane (@abcbrisbane) May 24, 2018
According to ABC, architects Populous, who developed Wembley Stadium and London’s Olympic Stadium, argue in the report that the stadium should have a greater sense of arrival. They propose that the western end should be revamped as the major entry point, with an elevated podium across the entire western side of the stadium.
Other plans include a large, elevated plaza entry, huge new 16m x 9m scoreboards, six new gates and a state-of-the-art ‘media halo’.
“The media halo is a combination of digital projection and lighting that transforms the underside of the roof into one 360-degree screen,” the plan said, according to ABC.
A lighting display, which would cover the wall of the stadium, could be altered depending on the event taking place.
ABC reports that a massive park between the stadium and rail station would help build a sense of anticipation as fans arrived. It would also offer a place to meet prior to events.
IMAGE: Rae Allen (Flickr) (graphic added)
