CATSRAISE ROOFAS STANDTAKES SHAPE
SIMONDS Stadium’s $91 million redevelopment is starting to resemble a grandstand after the first piece of the roof jigsaw was lifted into place yesterday.
Special cranes were seen hovering above Kardinia Park installing the first of 13 roof bays that will cover the state-of-the-art Charles Brownlow Stand.
Set for a mid-May completion, the western-side grandstand features a modernised football department, a large function room, a cafe, a rehabilitation centre and improved facilities for supporters, media, corporates and social club members.
The stage-four works were bankrolled by $75 million from the State Government, along with contributions from Geelong council, the AFL and the Cats.
“Cats fans and Geelong locals passing by Simonds Stadium will now have a clearer picture of what the future holds for the iconic venue,” Acting Minister for Sport Martin Foley said.
Demolition works began almost immediately after the 2015 football season and,d whenhen complete, will bump the stadium’s capacity to 36,500, giving the venue greater leverage when campaigning to host major sporting events.
The Cats believe the upgrade also means they would be entitled to host home finals in Geelong, instead of being forced to play at a neutral Melbourne venue.
“The roof installation on the new Charles Brownlow Stand is another major step in this redevelopment and another major step towards completion of this fantastic facility for our members and supporters and the wider Geelong community,” Cats chief executive Brian Cook said.
The State Government yesterday said the Simonds upgrade was creating 90 jobs during construction, and 320 ongoing positions.
“We’re turning Simonds Stadium into regional Australia’s best venue for the big events,” member for Geelong Christine Couzens said.
“It means more major blockbusters, and a fitting home for our city’s champion team, the Cats.”