CATTERY $10M BLOW OUT

But stage-five stadium works will top $100m

GEELONG is hopeful building work on the final stage of the GMHBA Stadium redevelopment could start in less than a year.

But the stage-five project is expected to cost $100 million, up $10m from last year’s $90m estimate.

The final stage, which will replace the Ford Stand and Gary Ablett Terrace, is the subject of a $3.9 million business case being carried out by the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust about the need for the final stage.

The document is expected to be handed down in the coming weeks.

The Cats have previously indicated the majority of money for the city-end makeover is likely to come from the State Government.

Should funding be secured, building works could start at the end of next football season for a 2020 completion.

The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, which controls the ground, is now responsible for securing the funding.

Preliminary drawings have been completed and final drawings are said to be in the process of being ticked off.

The new stand will increase the capacity to 40,000 and include a “heavy concentration” of cricket facilities, regional administration offices, a cricket training academy and planned office spaces to cater for a Twenty20 team in the national Big Bash League. Some standing room is expected to be included in the design.

“That business case will be going to government in the next four weeks and we’re hoping that it will receive a positive answer from the State Government after that point in time,” Geelong chief executive Brian Cook told the club’s AGM on Monday night.

“We're hoping that will be in the Budget for next year. The cost is now about $100 million to finish off the stadium, so it is a huge job. Another big (redevelopment) like this one ($91 million Brownlow Stand), so it’s replicating that over there.

“That will complete the stadium and ... then I think we can argue strongly for the Essendons and Carltons and the like to come down here.”

Asked when building works could start, Cook told reporters after the meeting: “If all goes to plan it will be knocked over by (this time next year), after the season finishes”.

“It’s really important that only two pre-seasons and one main season is construction time, otherwise you lose two years in that whole area.”

The State Government did not specifically address the $10 million increase when questioned yesterday by the Geelong Advertiser.

“We’re getting on with the job of turning Kardinia Park into the best sporting stadium in regional Australia,” Sport Minister John Eren said.