Eddie McGuire commissioned three feasibility studies as part of push for $1b stadium next to MCG

COLLINGWOOD president Eddie McGuire has commissioned three feasibility studies as part of his push for a new $1 billion stadium next to the MCG.

COLLINGWOOD president Eddie McGuire has commissioned three feasibility studies as part of his push for a new $1 billion stadium next door to the MCG.

Architect firm Bates Smart yesterday revealed it had completed an initial site master plan, while investment bank Evans & Partners, where McGuire sits as a director, has explored its financial viability.

Global engineering and design firm Arup has also been engaged.

McGuire’s proposal for a 60,000-seat stadium in the Melbourne Park precinct revealed in yesterday’s Herald Sun divided public opinion, but the extent of work already completed by the Magpies boss dates back 12 months.

Premier Daniel Andrews was first briefed on the plan last November.

Bates Smart managing director Simon Swaney told the Herald Sun: “We’ve done some initial work on overall site planning and how you might locate a facility of that nature.

“Stadium design has gone through an amazing evolution over the last 10 years — there are now facilities that are far more flexible that can be used in rectangular format or as an oval — and they can actually change the pitch type.

“It’s a significant opportunity for Melbourne to have a facility of that nature.”

Macca’s take on Eddie McGuire’s big plans.

Swaney said the stadium, dubbed “Victoria Stadium”, would take one year to design and three to build.

The area adjoining Hisense Arena is the favoured site, but Gosch’s Paddock and even Collingwood’s current base at the Holden Centre are options.

The AFL had been largely kept in the dark about McGuire’s behind-the-scenes planning, which would involve the bulldozing of Etihad Stadium.

League chief executive Gillon McLachlan said yesterday: “Ed’s floated an idea today, I’ve had conversations with Ed about that. We’ll own Etihad for $30 in nine years time so at some point you have to consider all types of options.”

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett said he believed the Melbourne Park precinct was already at capacity.

“The tennis is more important for Victoria and Australia than AFL football,” Kennett said.

“I’m not against a new stadium, and I’m not hanging on to Etihad ... but before Eddie builds a new stadium on top of Rod Laver Arena can I suggest he just focuses on winning a premiership for Collingwood.

“I love him dearly but I think he’s only won one, hasn’t he?”

John Cain, who pioneered the establishment of Melbourne Park as Victorian premier in the 1980s, warned against jeopardising the Australian Open.

“Serious long-term planning in the ‘80s has achieved those results and you should not lightly put them at risk,” Cain told the Herald Sun.

“It’s not easy to change public land uses.”

Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon said he favoured a major refurbishment of Etihad Stadium over the building of a new ground.

More than 5400 fans had last night responded to a superfooty.com.au poll on the controversial proposal, with 52 per cent supporting McGuire.