MCG’s Great Southern Stand to see Major Upgrade
21 Sep 2011The Great Southern Stand at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Grounds is set to undergo a $55 million upgrade shortly after the AFL Grand Final, Premier Ted Ballieu announced.
The upgrade will improve the patron experience across all four levels of the Great Southern Stand with contributions of $30 million from the Victorian Government and $25 million from the Melbourne Cricket Club.
The refurbishment of the stand, built 20 years ago, will involve improved entry points, kitchen upgrades, food courts, new toilet facilities, infrastructure services and new audio-visual systems and signage, with emphasis on open, light spaces similar to the northern side of the stadium.
From the AFL Grand Final to the Boxing Day Test, the MCG is a Melbourne icon and the upgrade will allow the grounds to remain one of the premier sporting stadiums in the world.
The Premier was joined by Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty, MCG Trust Chairman John Wylie, MCC CEO Stephen Gough and AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou in making the announcement, with confirmation that the upgrade will be complete in time for the start of the 2013 AFL season.
The announcement follows the appointment of Construction Engineering as the project builder, which was selected after an extensive tender process.