The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground in Moore Park, one of Australia’s most treasured sporting venues, is set to undergo a significant transformation with a multimillion-dollar masterplan aimed at modernising its ageing infrastructure.
Outdated Facilities Drive the Need for Change
The O’Reilly, Brewongle, and Clive Churchill Stands at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), built in the early 1980s, have been identified as outdated and struggling to meet modern safety and amenity standards. This reality was starkly highlighted on 17 January 2025, when a piece of the O’Reilly Stand roof dislodged during a storm, forcing an evacuation.
These stands are older than Sydney Football Stadium, which was demolished and rebuilt in 2018 due to similar issues.
Venues NSW confirmed that a condition assessment of the three stands will begin this year as part of the project. While no immediate plans exist to increase the SCG’s current 48,000-seat capacity, experts suggest that redeveloping the O’Reilly Stand could add space for an additional 7,000 fans.
Recent events have highlighted the inadequacies of the SCG’s facilities. Crowds at sold-out matches, such as the Sydney Swans’ AFL games and the Sydney Test cricket match against India, have exposed congestion in concourses, long queues for food and beverages, and insufficient amenities.
Cricket NSW and the AFL have voiced their support for the redevelopment, citing the need to maintain the SCG’s reputation as a premier sporting destination.
Potential Features of the Redevelopment
The masterplan, to be prepared soon, could include upgrades to the stands, modern fan facilities, and new entryways to accommodate future innovations, such as drop-in cricket pitches.
Currently, the SCG lacks the infrastructure for drop-in trays, but rebuilding the stands could enable their integration. The Entertainment Quarter near the SCG has been suggested as a site for growing these pitches.
A redevelopment of this scale could cost up to half a billion dollars, but proponents argue that the investment is vital. Cricket NSW highlighted that compared to venues like Perth’s Optus Stadium and Adelaide Oval, the SCG risks falling behind without significant upgrades.
Both cricket and AFL fans are central to the masterplan. The Swans continue to draw some of the largest AFL crowds in Sydney, and cricket officials emphasise that a modern Sydney Cricket Ground will enhance fan experience and help the venue compete on a global stage. Local residents and businesses in Moore Park also stand to benefit from improved facilities and increased foot traffic during events.
Published 24-January-2025