GMHBA Stadium in the Australian city of Geelong is set for a capacity increase of 5,000, with work to begin following the AFL season after BESIX Watpac was confirmed as the project builder for the expansion.
The project will serve as the final stage of the renovation of the stadium, which forms part of the Kardinia Park complex. The stadium’s current capacity is 35,000 but this will increase to 40,000 after the state government in Victoria assigned Aus$142m (£75m/€89m/$104m) for the project.
The project will centre on the construction of a 14,000-capacity, two-tier northern stand to replace the ageing Ford Stand and Ablett Terrace. The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust said the expansion would boost Geelong’s ability to attract and host national and international events.
BESIX Watpac has completed a range of major projects across Australia, including Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, and is currently building the City of Greater Geelong’s Civic Administration Building.
More than 120 construction jobs are set to be created with the expansion of GMHBA Stadium, which serves as the home of the Geelong Cats AFL team and Geelong Cricket Club. The new stand will feature administration facilities for the cricket club, along with unisex changing rooms.
Other features of the project will include a new northern entry plaza, sports museum, function room, high-speed public Wi-Fi and LED signage. Solar panels will also be added to the roof of the new grandstand, while more battery storage space will be provided.
The work is scheduled to be completed by the middle of 2023.
Image: Kardinia Park Stadium Trust
