Sydney is one step closer to glimpsing a redeveloped ANZ Stadium masterplan, with Stadium Australia Operations (SAO) shortlisting two potential developers for the project.

Construction consortiums Brookfield Multiplex and Laing O’Rourke have responded to the SAO calls for ‘expressions of interest’ in redeveloping ANZ Stadium and its surrounding precinct at Sydney’s Olympic Park.

Both consortiums have provided detailed designs, outlined full costs of the proposed scope of works, provided construction methodology, and a full timing schedule for the construction process.

They will now officially present their ideas and designs for the reported $250 million stadium redevelopment to an evaluation committee made up of a number of stakeholders at ANZ Stadium in coming days.

The designs run in line with the masterplan vision released by the NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation in July 2013 (watch vision below).

The major features of the redevelopment plan are:

  • A retractable roof that will weather-proof major sports and entertainment events;
  • A reconfiguration of the Stadium’s lower seating bowl to improve spectator viewing and playing field dimensions, including:
    • Bringing spectators as close as 5m to the field of play at the northern and southern ends of the Stadium through the installation of moveable grandstands and creating a perfect rectangular field for rugby league, rugby union and football;
    • Increasing the eastern and western boundaries to provide longer straight-hit boundaries for cricket and a more traditional oval shape for AFL;
  • New and refurbished player and spectator facilities including restaurants, bars, terraces and eateries;
  • Development of the precinct outside the Stadium, including new precinct bars, cafes and restaurants for Stadium patrons to enjoy before and after events.

SAO says the design provision of a retractable roof (video below) will bekey in attracting new and blockbuster events.

“The addition of a roof will enable new events and stakeholders to be included in the Stadium’s event program and add to Sydney’s appeal as a venue for major sporting and entertainment blockbusters,” they said.

SAO Managing Director Daryl Kerry said his group was elated by the quality of submissions it had received from Brookfield Multiplex and Laing O’Rourke.

“The design concepts we have seen at this point from both consortiums are exceptional and will provide Sydney with one of the greatest multi-purpose sports and entertainment stadiums in the world,” Kerry said.

“The redevelopment of the Stadium, dialling out some of the compromises in design that were necessary for the vast nature of the Sydney Olympics, is as much a journey for the people of Sydney as it is for us.”

Over the next four weeks, the committee will assess the two design options before a final decision is made on which consortium will redevelop the Stadium that was purpose-built for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

It is hoped the planning of construction works can begin as early as 2015.