The Victorian Government will invest $25 million into the third stage of a major redevelopment of Geelong’s Skilled Stadium to ensure the facility remains Australia’s best regional sporting venue and to drive jobs growth in Geelong.
Visiting Skilled Stadium on Thursday, premier John Brumby said the redevelopment would see the construction of a new Northern Stand, bringing the ground’s capacity to more than 35,000 and boosting Geelong’s ability to attract major sporting and cultural events for generations to come.
“Geelong loves its sport and Skilled Stadium is the heart and soul of this city,” Brumby said.
“The new Northern Stand will be a state-of-the art redevelopment and will ensure a thriving future for the Cats at Skilled Stadium and our Government is proud to be supporting it.
“Together we’re taking the first step towards further transforming Skilled Stadium into a world-class facility which will help bolster Geelong as a destination for major events.”
Mr Brumby said the Victorian Government would contribute $25 million towards the $75 million project, further building on the recent $6 million contribution for the Ross Drew Stand.
“This major contribution is about locking-in the future prosperity of Geelong, the Surf Coast and the Bellarine Peninsula. It will form a key part of our Blueprint for Regional Victoria to be released later this month that will outline new investment to drive our regions forward," he said.
Mr Brumby said Stage Three of the Skilled Stadium redevelopment would include:
- New training, playing, spectator and change-room facilities for the Geelong Cricket Club;
- Improved facilities for the Kardinia Park Netball Complex;
- A new 1,000-seat function room suitable for use by both private and business functions;
- A purpose built Community Wellness and Education Centre;
- A Geelong Sports Museum to celebrate the region’s sporting successes; and
- A new events live site within Kardinia Park to host major events.
Geelong CEO Brian Cook welcomed the announcement.
“This announcement is a tremendous fillip for the community and the club, and will help ensure that Skilled Stadium remains the long term home of the club,” Cats CEO Brian Cook said.
“This third redevelopment will further increase the capacity to 35,000 and will result in world class facilities for our supporters and for visiting fans.
“A third redevelopment will result in a $250 million economic benefit over the next 10 years in the local economy, and will increase the opportunity for more people to attend games in comfort will see that benefit grow.
“We are proud of the contribution that the club makes to Geelong’s identity on both a national and international stage, and today’s announcement will further enhance the reputation of the area as Australia’s premier regional centre.”
Sports minister James Merlino said increasing the capacity of Skilled Stadium would also better position Geelong to hold a World Cup match, should Australia be successful in its bids for the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“Geelong would make a fantastic location for a FIFA World Cup match - it would be simply magnificent for the prosperity of the region,” Merlino said.
“Geelong boasts transport, accommodation and links to world-class tourist destinations like the Great Ocean Road, making it an ideal location for a World Cup event.”
Mr Brumby said he was delighted that Australia’s official bid for the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup features Geelong as a preferred location to host matches - it would put Geelong on the world map and deliver a major jobs and economic boost for the region.
“Geelong Football Club is unique in that it is Victoria’s only provincial AFL club and has been a fantastic ambassador for promoting regional Victoria in our Make It Happen campaign as a great place to live, work and invest,” he said.
