Eddie McGuire’s $1b Victoria Stadium plan is a step closer to reality

EDDIE McGuire’s stadium dream is a step closer to reality after the formation of a State Government taskforce to decide the future of Melbourne’s sporting stadiums and precincts.

An artist’s impression of the proposed Victoria Stadium near the MCG.

EDDIE McGuire’s $1 billion stadium dream is a step closer to reality after the formation of a State Government taskforce to decide the future of Melbourne’s sporting stadiums and precincts.

The Cabinet committee, led by Premier Daniel Andrews also will explore the AFL’s plans for a $300 million revamp of Etihad Stadium.

A decision could be made before next year’s state Budget in May.

Speaking from Europe, McGuire said of his “Victoria Stadium” proposal: “This is far bigger than a footy ground ... it is a landmark, an events centre, tied in with the future of the MCG and adding to the tennis and Olympic Park precinct.”

A series of proposed redevelopments of Punt Rd, Brunton Ave, Richmond Railway Station, Olympic Park and the Docklands will be evaluated.

Plans to build over the railway tracks that separate the MCG from the Melbourne Park Tennis Centre will also be considered.

Sports Minister John Eren told the Herald Sun: “This will ensure we stop talking about how to embark on a bold transformation — and start doing it.

“New development will not only keep Melbourne’s sporting and entertainment precinct the envy of the world, it’ll be billions of dollars of investment and thousands of Victorian jobs.”

An artist’s impression of the AFL’s plans for Etihad Stadium.

Further work at Geelong’s ever-evolving Simonds Stadium and Eureka Stadium in Ballarat, where the Western Bulldogs will play for premiership points next season, will also be investigated.

McGuire’s vision for a new 60,000-seat stadium on the site of Hisense Arena involves the bulldozing of Etihad Stadium.

“Every sport, concert and major event will be the beneficiary,” McGuire said.

“And it can bulletproof sport, particularly the Victorian AFL clubs and maintain low ticket prices for the long term future.

“For good measure we can fix up the Docklands. That’s my aspiration.”

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire says his stadium plan will “bulletproof” Victoria’s AFL clubs.

McGuire said he was pleased his vision would be tested against competing proposals and urged bold thinking.

“It will take the burying of old hatreds and rivalries and a bigger view of what we can be,” he said.

Commercial real estate experts estimate the sale of Etihad Stadium to developers could reap the AFL a massive $1.3 billion payday.

But the league is determined to upgrade the Docklands ground, which it will take ownership of for just $30 in March 2025 under the terms of the deal struck by the Kennett government in the 1990s.

The AFL’s proposed Docklands redevelopment includes a new waterside stadium gateway, open-air bars, restaurants, parks and a running track.

The Melbourne Cricket Club has unveiled its own plans for a $1 billion makeover of Brunton Ave and the railway tracks.

Richmond has also drawn up plans for a new 40,000-seat stadium at Punt Rd Oval as an alternative to McGuire’s concept.

Victoria is home to 16 national competition team franchises — 10 AFL clubs, two A-League clubs, two Big Bash teams, one NRL club and one Super Rugby club.

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