Sports Minister Hugh Delahunty today announed the Geelong Football Club's appointment of Kane Constructions as design and construct contractor for the new Southern Stand at Simonds Stadium.
The Victorian Coalition Government recently confirmed its allocations of $26.5 million towards the redevelopment of the Southern Stand following discussions with the Geelong Football Club prior to Christmas.
"The Southern Stand redevelopment will see an increase of stadium capacity to more than 30,000 and feature a Community Wellness and Education Centre," Mr Delahunty said.
"It means better spectator amenities and a huge boost for community sport and recreation which will be a terrific asset for the region."
Geelong Football Club CEO Brian Cook said the club was thrilled and grateful that funding had been confirmed by the Coalition Government and the AFL had offered to look at an extra game from 2014, ensuring the redevelopment of Simonds Stadium would go ahead.
"The opportunity for an extra game at Simonds Stadium will be great for the Club, its supporters and the local economy," Mr Cook said referencing a Deloittes study that estimated that each additional AFL game at Simonds Stadium injected $3 million into the local economy.
"The new Southern Stand is scheduled for completion in mid-2013.
"The new Southern Stand will provide a greatly enhanced AFL match day experience for the club's members and fans," Mr Cook said.
The AFL's Chief Operating Officer Gillon McLachlan said the AFL welcomed the multi-million dollar upgrade of Simonds Stadium.
"Not only will the Southern Stand redevelopment increase the venue's capacity but significantly it will enhance the AFL fan experience on match days through improved facilities, amenities and access," Mr McLachlan said.
"We want AFL matches to be played at elite level sports venues and this investment will deliver benefits to football fans as well as more broadly to the Geelong community."
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Cr John Mitchell said he was glad to see works beginning on the Simonds Stadium redevelopment.
"We were pleased to be able to provide $3 million for this project, which will see the overall venue capacity increased," Cr Mitchell said.
"Simonds Stadium plays a major role in the Geelong community as a home for major events and community events right throughout the year.
Kane Constructions Managing Director Tony Isaacson said the company was thrilled at being awarded the construction contract for the new Southern Stand at Simonds Stadium, Geelong.
"It follows Kane's successful completion in 2005 of the Reg Hickey Stand at Simonds Stadium, and over 20 other major community facility projects in the greater Geelong region over the last 15 years," Mr Isaacson said.
"This project, creating a fabulous asset for the region, and enhancing the amenity of the Stadium, reinforces Kane's strong relationships with the Geelong Football Club and demonstrates Kane's commitment to and involvement in the region's community."
Mr Delahunty acknowledged all funding partners involved in the redevelopment, including the Geelong Football Club ($4.12 million), the AFL ($3.25 million), the City of Greater Geelong ($3 million), and the Federal Government ($10 million towards the lights at the ground).
Since being selected as preferred contractor in November 2011, Kane has been working closely with the project team comprising Waypoint, Coffey Projects, Populous and Aurecon.
Demolition is scheduled to commence immediately with construction commencing in March 2012 and completion by mid-2013.
