Released 05/08/2016
A panel of community representatives will advise the government on a detailed masterplan for Manuka Oval.
The unsolicited bid to redevelop Manuka Oval has prompted a broader community discussion on the future of the venue. The clear message from the community is a desire to be more involved in the future of the oval and its surroundings.
The Government will now establish a community panel to help inform a new, detailed masterplan for the Oval and its surrounds. This consultation model has worked successfully on other government projects, such as the Yarralumla Brickworks development.
The goal is simple: a precinct that preserves the heritage-listed elements and attracts even more world-class sport to Canberra. While the scale of the bid from the Greater Western Sydney Giants was outside community expectations, some development at of the Oval is necessary to make sure it stays world standard. Any development will need to improve the Oval, be high-quality, and sympathetic with its surroundings.
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.
Any future development will be through a competitive process, which GWS will be welcome to be part of.
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 6 weeks.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases