ACT Government rejects Manuka Oval redevelopment plan

The ACT Government has rejected a controversial multi-million dollar-plan to redevelop Manuka Oval.

The ACT Government has advised that the unsolicited $800 million plan from the GWS Giants and construction company Grocon to redevelop the stadium - along with 1,000 new apartments, retail stores and a hotel - was outside community expectations.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the Government had received a "clear message from the community" to be "more involved in the future of the oval and its surroundings".

Chief Minister Barr said the goal for the precinct was to preserve heritage-listed elements while attracting more top-class sport to Canberra.

He said while the scale of the GWS Giants' proposal was too large, some development of Manuka Oval was necessary to ensure it remained a precinct suitable for high level sport.

The ACT Government is now asking a panel of community representatives to advise on a detailed masterplan for the venue.

An ACT Government statement on the future of the venue explained that “any development will need to improve the Oval, be high-quality, and sympathetic with its surroundings.”

It added “the Panel will be established through an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process, be demographically representative of the Canberra community, and include members from across the community reflecting the Manuka Oval’s importance as a Canberra icon.

“Sporting groups will be represented, because it is important that any work at the Oval improves it as a sporting venue.

“Appropriate development of the Precinct surrounding the Oval will improve the match-day experience and help fund the much-needed improvements within the ground – including media and broadcast facilities, and improved crowd amenity to allow Manuka Oval to grow into being a truly world-class boutique sporting venue.

“The masterplanning process will include parking and how the Oval could be better connected with Manuka, Kingston, the Foreshore and Telopea Park.”

In a statement the GWS Giants acknowledged the Government's decision but said the team was eager to remain involved in the Manuka Oval development.

In the statement, GWS Giants Chief Executive David Matthews advised “this in no way diminishes our enthusiasm to continue to refine and develop our plans for further consideration.

“In many ways it underlines the importance of delivering the world-class outcome we are all seeking.

"We have consulted widely already and we look forward to participating further in discussions at both community and government level.

"The delivery of a master plan is fundamental to securing the future of AFL in the ACT and we will continue to collaborate closely with all stakeholders in this regard."

The Panel will have their first meeting by the end of this year, with a view to a Territory Plan Variation being initiated by late 2017.

An EOI for panel membership will be advertised within the next six weeks.

Images: The GWS Giants/Grocon plan for Manuka Oval (top) and Manuka Oval by night (below).

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