NRL 2022: Brookvale Oval redevelopment announcement ‘imminent’
A full and desperately needed redevelopment of dilapidated Brookvale Oval is now ‘imminent’ — ending a 30-year wait for frustrated fans.
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A full and desperately needed redevelopment of dilapidated Brookvale Oval is now “imminent” — ending a 30-year wait for frustrated fans.
The much-anticipated news comes just days before Manly finally return home to 4 Pines Park.
News Corp has been told by well-placed sources that the State Government could announce Brookvale’s total reconfiguration within weeks, if not days.
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It is understood the upgrade will be substantial with the Government having completed a detailed business case on the project, including a range of confidential artists impressions. Only high-ranking NRL officials have viewed the plans.
The Sea Eagles are back at 4 Pines Stadium for Sunday night’s vital match against old rivals, Canterbury.
Before the game, Manly officials will unveil the new 3000-seat Fulton Stand at the northern end of the ground, which backs onto a new state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence.
The entire facility cost $33.1 million.
Plans for Brookvale remain confidential but the redevelopment would include demolishing the existing three grandstands and building a modern arena similar to CommBank Stadium in Parramatta.
It would mean the Fulton Stand would join newly constructed grandstands on the remaining three sides of the ground.
Manly fans have waited three decades for the Brookvale revamp although some even now remain sceptical it will happen. But high-placed sources say the announcement is now “imminent”.
“It will be a substantial upgrade – that’s all I will say,” said the source. “There will be a budget and then a design.”
Another official very close to the redevelopment plans said: “The announcement is very close.”
There was talk the announcement could even happen this weekend but Premier Dominic Perrottet remains on parental leave.
Costing for the 4 Pines project hasn’t yet been released but some are suggesting the reconstruction could cost up to $180m and take two years to complete.
The NRL and Manly are being kept informed about the development.
Manly hasn’t played at their beloved northern beaches home ground since a round 17 match against Canberra on July 8 last year.
Despite the new Fulton Stand offering modern dressing rooms, Manly will continue using the existing Jane Try Stand sheds. Manly has started moving its administration from its previous Narrabeen base to the new Brookvale facility.
Brookvale’s Centre of Excellence will include high-performance training and administration facilities, rehabilitation and medical rooms, elite gymnasium, two rehab pools and aquatic recovery.
Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium cost $300m to build.
The State Government has already announced plans for a full redevelopment of Penrith Football Stadium with construction to start next year. Allianz Stadium at Moore Park is in the final stages of completion.
The Sea Eagles remain winless after two rounds and must overcome Canterbury to remain in touch with the top four clubs.
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