[size=8]Plans to transform Canberra sporting venues[/size]



This proposal to create a unique sporting precinct at Bruce would cost $300-$350 million.


An artist's impression of what a fully redevelopment Manuka Oval could look like. The proposal would cost $70-$100 million.


Canberrans are being urged to have their say on the future of Manuka Oval and Canberra Stadium.

A number of master plan options have been unveiled for the two sporting facilities.

The proposals for Canberra Stadium include upgrading the existing complex to include extra seating and a new roof for the west, south and east stands.

The Manuka Oval proposals involve rebuilding existing stands and expanding the venue.

Another option is to build a new 40,000 seat stadium alongside Canberra Stadium for rugby and soccer.

Under this option AFL and cricket games would be moved from Manuka Oval to a refurbished Canberra Stadium. Manuka Oval would then be transformed into a community ground.

But the proposals come with hefty price tags.

The ideas for Canberra Stadium would cost between $60 million and $350 million while the Manuka Oval proposals would cost $10 - $100 million.

Sports Minister Andrew Barr says the Government's preferred option is to build a new stadium at Bruce but it will depend on funding arrangements with the Commonwealth and private sector.

"It would mean the ACT could comfortably host AFL matches, cricket matches of international status as well as providing a world class home for the Raiders and the Brumbies and an A-League team in future competitions," he said.

Mr Barr says the proposals would ensure Canberra can host world-class sporting events into the future.

"Major sporting events are important because they not only provide great entertainment for the people of the ACT, they also attract thousands of visitors from interstate, helping to support local tourism operators and local tourism jobs," he said.

Canberrans have until late June to comment on the proposals.

Improvements welcome

The Canberra Raiders say they would welcome the construction of a new stadium at Bruce for rugby league and other codes.

Raiders chief executive Don Furner says a new stadium would help attract more fans and sponsors.

"Canberra Stadium's a great stadium, our visiting teams that come here think it's great," he said.

"Certainly now it's nearly 40 years old, certainly the west end is 40 years old, any improvement can help spectator comfort, can help with the sponsorship and can help the team when the facilities get better would be a great improvement and I know our team would love it."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009 ... tion=sport