Proposal for $800 million redevelopment of Manuka Oval into new commercial and residential zone

Backed by developer Grocon, the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants AFL Club has released plans for an $800 million redevelopment of Canberra’s Manuka Oval and the surrounding area.

Set to be submitted to the ACT Government as an unsolicited proposal, the plan includes a $100 million redevelopment of the Manuka Oval that would see capacity at the ground increased to 20,000.

The upgrade to the historic venue includes the addition of 4,750 additional permanent seats - replacing the temporary seating and standing room areas at the ground and meaning 80% of the seating would be covered – along with improved media and corporate facilities.

The upgrade would be funded by a $700 million commercial and residential development on surrounding land that would also include a hotel.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said there was definite scope for improvement at Manuka Oval, which he said could be better integrated with the Manuka business precinct and Telopea Park.

Chief Minister Barr told the ABC “the Government will consider this concept. There is a robust process to assess such bids and there will be ample opportunity for the community to have their say.

"Overall it is a constructive proposal and there are a number of elements I am impressed by.

"I will be interested to hear what Canberrans think about the ideas that have been forward."

GWS Giants Chairman Tony Shepherd said the club was confident the proposal would be approved by the Government, stating that the proposal was a way of improving the grounds, without the Government having to redirect funding from other important areas.

Shepherd told the ABC “sometimes sport is just a bit hard to justify when you've got such pressing priorities in other areas.

"So this is an opportunity to take that burden off government and yet produce a wonderful outcome for the community at the same time and help develop the Canberra economy.

Gary Kent from the Inner South Canberra Community Council said there were aspects of the development the group was pleased with, but the devil could be in the detail.

Kent explained “the Manuka Oval Precinct needs a bit of rejuvenating. It's a bit tired. Also the interface between Manuka Shop and Manuka Oval is not very good.”

Kent said the other danger was that community opening spaces and heritage assets would need to be surrendered as part of the funding arrangements.

Image: An artist's impression of the redevelopment of Manuka Oval and the surrounding precinct, proposed by the GWS Giants and Grocon. 

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