AFL appoints John Holland to deliver $225m VIC Marvel Stadium Upgrade

The $225 million Marvel Stadium Upgrade in Victoria's Docklands Precinct will soon begin construction after the Australian Football League (AFL) appoints John Holland as construction partner for this redevelopment project. 

“The Marvel Stadium redevelopment is a crucial project to supercharge sport and entertainment in Melbourne, and we look forward to working with the AFL to maximise the success of the new world-class stadium. 

“Drawing on the many achievements of the existing Sydney Football Stadium redevelopment, we are ready to deliver what will become an iconic sport and entertainment precinct for the community,” John Holland CEO Joe Barr said. 

Construction is expected to commence after the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season and completed during the 2023 season. 

The upgraded Marvel Stadium and surrounding precinct will provide a 365-day-a-year sport and entertainment hub for Victorians and visitors alike. 

“We are ready to get on the ground and start this vital upgrade that will improve community facilities for years to come, and make visiting the stadium even better for fans and clubs alike. 

“Minimising disruption during the upgrade is front-of-mind for our construction team who will ensure a smooth transition between the regular operations of the site and “event mode” – allowing for maximum pedestrian movement and access on any event day,” John Holland Executive General Manager – Building David Lehmann said. 

Artist impression (source: Marvel Stadium)

The multi-million-dollar Marvel Stadium Upgrade will include: 

• Revitalising eastern and southern entry points 
• A new “Town Square” creating a 7-day-a-week open area to gather 
• New function rooms with views of the arena and the Melbourne CBD 
• Major renovations to public food and beverage areas 
• Accessibility upgrades to welcome people of all abilities 
• Improved lighting and technology 
• State-of-the-art male and female change rooms for athletes 

“The John Holland team will help bring our vision to life – which is to make the Marvel Stadium precinct one of the best and technologically advanced sports and entertainment destinations in the world. 

“John Holland has a proven track record in delivering major projects in Australia and we are excited to partner with them and get the build started later this year,” AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said. 

Artist impression (source: Marvel Stadium)

This vital upgrade will also help improve connectivity between the CBD and the Docklands as well as aid in Melbourne's recovery from the recent COVID-19 pandemic. 

The project is expected to support more than 230 local jobs while providing a much-needed boost to local suppliers through the State Government's Local Jobs First Policy and Major Projects Skills Guarantee. The upgrade will also open opportunities for continued investment in the Docklands Business Precinct. 

“By renovating the existing structure of the stadium, it will provide a more environmentally sustainable way of building, as well as ensuring minimal disruption to fans during the construction period. 

“On behalf of the AFL, I want to thank the Victorian Government for their continued partnership across both elite and community football and welcome the John Holland team to this exciting project for footy fans and visitors to the stadium and precinct,” Mr McLachlan said. 

Source: John Holland; Development Victoria; Marvel Stadium; AFL; Design Build Network