Consortium Appointed for Proposed Two Billion Dollar MCG Shane Warne Stand Overhaul

The proposed $2.8 billion redevelopment of the Melbourne Cricket Ground’s (MCG) ageing Shane Warne Stand has advanced a crucial yards with the formal appointment of a powerhouse global design and engineering, Consortium.

In a joint statement, the Victorian Government and the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) confirmed that prominent architectural firm Architectus—partnering with international design heavyweights Foster + Partners and MANICA—has been secured as Lead Designer. Simultaneously, global infrastructure firm AECOM has been tasked as lead engineering consultant to steer the comprehensive business case forward.

Underscoring the government’s long-term commitment to maintaining Melbourne’s crown as a global sporting capital, Victorian minister for sport and major events, Steve Dimopoulos, stated:

“This is an important step for Australia’s most cherished sporting and major events venue.”

“This business case will help ensure we know what’s required to maintain the MCG’s place as one of the most iconic stadiums in the world,” Dimopoulos said.

The newly integrated design team will focus on balancing the precinct’s deep cultural history with modern commercial revenue drivers.

Emphasising that the collaborative commercial pipeline needed to finance and execute the ambitious build, Melbourne Cricket Club CEO, Stuart Fox, added: “The ongoing support of the Victorian Government and MCG Trust has been fundamental to further develop this business case for a potential future MCG redevelopment.”

“We are looking forward to working with all our key stakeholders as we progress to the next phase of planning,” Fox said.

Commenting on the cultural significance of the design, Architectus principal and group director communities, Mark van den Enden, said: “Architectus, Foster + Partners and MANICA are proud to be working with the Melbourne Cricket Club, the Victorian Government, and our design partners to re-imagine the next evolution of this hallowed ground.”

“Our focus will be on honouring everything Melburnians already cherish about the MCG while exploring how it can continue to set a global benchmark for fan experience, accessibility, and atmosphere for decades to come,” Enden said.

Architecturally, the project faces unique structural and spatial constraints given its tight footprint between the hallowed turf and the adjacent Brunton Avenue transport corridor.

The comprehensive business case, which initially commenced in October last year, is officially scheduled for completion in 2027. Public and stakeholder consultation programs are set to launch shortly, offering sports fans and the broader community an opportunity to guide the final layout of the historic stadium’s next chapter.

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