Giant push for Manuka upgrade

A private consortium led by the GWS Giants has proposed an $800 million redevelopment of Manuka Oval and the surrounding precinct.

The redevelopment, backed by developer Grocon, would see Manuka Oval upgraded to an international-standard venue.

It would include 4,750 new permanent seats to replace existing temporary seating and standing room as well as new roofing to cover 80% of seating, new hospitality, media and change room facilities.

The development would include a commercial and residential development in the surrounding area including a new hotel, apartments, retail, office space and car parking.

The AFL expansion side is the middle of a 10-year deal with the ACT Government to play three matches per year at the Canberra venue. It’s hoped the improvements would attract more AFL action, Test match cricket and Big Bash League matches.

Facilities at the venue have improved over the years with new grandstands, extended seating and roofing, upgraded playing surface, and most recently new floodlighting to allow for night matches.

Meanwhile, the naming-rights deal with the Giants in which the venue was known as StarTrack Oval during the AFL season recently expired with a new sponsor as yet not found, meaning the ground will revert to its traditional name for the upcoming season.