Work on the fifth stage of the Kardinia Park stadium redevelopment will begin after the AFL season with one of Australia’s leading construction firms – BESIX Watpac – today confirmed as the project builder.
The Andrews Labor Government has provided sole funding of $142 million to deliver the final stage of the landmark remaking of Australia’s premier regional stadium, supporting more than 120 construction jobs.
BESIX Watpac has completed dozens of major infrastructure projects across Australia including Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and sports facilities at Albert Park and Lakeside Oval, and is currently building the City of Greater Geelong’s Civic Administration Building.
Local workers and suppliers will be big winners under the Labor Government’s Local Jobs First policy, which requires minimum 91 per cent local content for declared strategic projects such as Kardinia Park Stage Five.
The Major Project Skills Guarantee means apprentices, trainees and cadets will perform at least 10 per cent of all work on the project, and at least $1.2 million in goods and services must be procured from social enterprises.
At the heart of the Kardinia Park Stage Five project is the construction of a 14,000-capacity, two-tier northern stand to replace the ageing Ford Stand and Ablett Terrace. This will increase the stadium’s capacity to more than 40,000 people, boosting Geelong’s ability to attract and host national and international events.
The new stand will include facilities for professional and community sport, including unisex change rooms, and administration facilities for the Geelong Cricket Club.
Kardinia Park is widely used by the local community for activities and events, and this project will enhance facilities for patrons with a new northern entry plaza, sports museum, function room and a suite of technology upgrades including additional high-speed public wi-fi and LED signage.
Stadium operations will be bolstered through the delivery of a new administration area for stadium and event staff, a crowd management centre and additional CCTV capability.
The redevelopment will also provide dedicated sustainability measures including solar panels to the roof of the new grandstand and provision for battery storage. The works are forecast to be completed in mid-2023.
Previous stages of the redevelopment have delivered the Brownlow, Players, Premiership and Reg Hickey stands along with broadcast-quality lighting and an array of function rooms.
Further information about the project is available at
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“Kardinia Park is an amazing asset for Geelong – and for Victoria – and with the creation of a new northern stand its transformation will be complete.”
“The benefits of an increased stadium capacity and A-grade facilities will be enjoyed by sports fans and the wider community for decades to come.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“Kardinia Park is a key driver of economic activity in Geelong, and the fifth stage of this redevelopment will create scores of local jobs over the life of the project.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Geelong has the best regional stadium in Australia and these works will takes it to another level again. It’s something that we all should be proud of.”
Quote attributable to Member for Lara John Eren
“A stadium capacity of over 40,000 will mean that Kardinia Park will have the heft to be a major player in enticing national and international events.”
Quote attributable to Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman
“This project has significant benefits beyond sport, with new community spaces and facilities to be real boon for a range of groups.”
Quotes attributable to Kardinia Park Chair Stephen Gough
“Continued investment has meant that Kardinia Park has not only kept abreast of global trends, but it is also setting the pace.”
“We can’t wait for the final piece of the redevelopment jigsaw to fall into place so we can provide an even better experience for fans and other users of this highly-adaptable stadium.”
Quote attributable to BESIX Watpac General Manager (Victoria) Simon Ballard
“We are delighted to have another major project in Geelong and we’re committed to maximising the local economic benefits we can bring through local procurement and by engaging local subcontractors.”
Reviewed 11 August 2021