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Roof panels June 2009
A noticeable aesthetic advancement is set to excite the public with the first of the roof panels being added to south east corner of the bio-frame.

Open Day 10 March 2009
The most recent open day, hosted by Major Projects Victoria and Grocon, gave the project’s key stakeholders, contractors and tenants a unique opportunity to see the progression of work inside the stadium.  Members of peak bodies in the design and construction industry also attended.

Following a site tour by tenants and MOPT staff earlier in the morning, the official proceedings began.  After a viewing and brief tour, Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas addressed the assembly. 

“The Brumby Government is taking action to invest in vital infrastructure like the Rectangular Stadium that creates jobs and new business opportunities while delivering an important new sports and entertainment facility,” Minister Pallas said.

“The distinctive roof is also a triumph for Australia’s manufacturing sector with the steel frames and cladding panels being manufactured in Melbourne and Launceston.  Rainwater will also be collected from the roof for use in the stadium, further enhancing its green credentials.  Spectators will have an unparalleled experience in terms of comfort and being right on top of the action.  The stadium will also feature a world-class playing surface and player’s facilities as well as an associated sports campus with medical facilities and administration offices.”

Attendees also heard from Sean Sweeney (Major Projects), Wallaby players Al Baxter and Luke Burgess, Robbie Kearns (former Melbourne Storm captain) Jonathan Gardiner and Patrick Ness (Cox Architects), Peter Bowtell (ARUP), Daniel Grollo (Grocon CEO) and Russell Caplan (Chairman, Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust).

A Cox/ARUP audio visual presentation was followed by a panel discussion facilitated by Sean Sweeney which included rugby players Al Baxter, Luke Burgess and Robbie Kearns.

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November 2008                                               March 2009


 
June 2009

Description:

The world class stadium will have a cutting-edge Bioframe design with a geodesic dome roof which will substantially cover the seating area. The beauty of the design is that spectators will enjoy unobstructed views, free from pillars, walls or other support structures.  This design will also use 50 per cent less steel than a typical stadium roof of the same size. 

Built on Edwin Flack field, the stadium will rival the word’s best in becoming a world-class event and sports administration complex.  It will also feature a sports campus, including an elite training centre and office accommodation which will rival the world’s best. 

After an agreement was reached with Melbourne Victory and the Football Federation of Victoria in May last year, the stadium will be expanded to accommodate more than 31,000 fans. 

More than 1200 workers had been employed both on and off site during the project, which is expected to generate about $775 million in benefits for the construction and associated industries.

MRS Fact Sheet (Major Projects Victoria link)
Click here for the announcement media release.

Purpose:

Victoria's burgeoning rugby and soccer codes have long awaited a dedicated stadium to accommodate elite level crowds in way that provides the intimate viewing experience afforded by purpose built venues.  Once completed, the stadium will provide the missing link in Melbourne’s sporting infrastructure for a medium size, purpose-built rectangular pitched stadium.

An average of seven soccer games, including Melbourne Victory A League games and other international and national soccer matches, will be played every year at the new stadium.  Besides soccer, the stadium will accommodate all Melbourne Storm's rugby league home games and rugby union matches.   

Progress:

The $268 million stadium is on track to be completed by early 2010, the first game earmarked for March.  

Last December a number of VicRoads escorted deliveries were made of large sections of the bioframe roof.  Installation commenced in the south east corner (see above) and other corners have since followed. 

As the players sweated it out nearby at the Australian Open in January, work commenced on the stadium's pool facility and the roof panel installation.  Tenancies such as the Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre, Radiology and Tennis Victoria are being fitted out.  The stands themselves are taking shape with the size becoming apparent and the roof frame now encasing the stadium. 

The final costs and completion timetable will be confirmed after the building contract is completed and arrangements with tenants, sponsors and suppliers have been negotiated.