A Federal Coalition Government will invest $36m into a major redevelopment of Skilled Stadium and Kardinia Park in Geelong, Sarah Henderson, Liberal candidate for Corangamite and Don Gibson, Liberal candidate for Corio announced today.
“As a local and a member of the Geelong Football Club, I’m delighted that Don Gibson and I have been able to successfully secure this commitment,” Ms Henderson said.
“This commitment will transform Skilled Stadium into one of the most modern stadiums across Australia and it’s also great for local jobs and a further boost for our economy,” Mr Gibson said.
“Geelong will be better placed to attract more major events which will enable us to further showcase this great city,” Mr Gibson said.
Stage three of the development will include:
- 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
- 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;
- Increase stadium capacity to approximately 34,500 seats.
“Geelong deserves this stadium and I am pleased that the Federal Coalition has thrown its support behind our community,” Ms Henderson said.
Geelong Football Club President Frank Costa welcomed the Coalition’s commitment to the Stage 3 redevelopment, saying that “the redevelopment will provide significant benefits to the community of Geelong and the football club. It also means the redevelopment may proceed irrespective of the outcome of the World Cup bidding process, and will generate 178 new jobs and over $250 million in economic impact over the next 10 years.”
