Upgrading grandstands at the SCG is part of a bigger picture for sport to help bring the community together, according to Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon.
A former New Zealand Test captain, Germon believes bringing the SCG into the modern era is all part of an approach required from grassroots to elite sport across NSW, which is particularly important following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The SCG has some of the worst spectator facilities in the country according to Cricket Australia.Credit:Jessica Hromas
“There are hundreds of thousands if not over a million people going into the SCG every year,” Germon told the Herald and The Age.
Germon believes the 40-year-old O’Reilly and Churchill-Brewongle stands, which are rated by Cricket Australia as the worst spectator facilities in the country, have the same problems which forced the demolition and rebuilding of Allianz and Parramatta Stadiums.
“There are some similar building code compliance issues there that need to be addressed and people’s expectations are higher than they once were,” Germon said.
He pointed to major stadia developments in other states.
Cricket NSW CEO and former New Zealand Test captain Lee GermonCredit:Fairfax Media
“In the last six months we have been advocating for an SCG master plan to be developed because it does need upgrades when you look at what else has gone around the country,” Germon said. “We have a new Perth Stadium, a redeveloped Adelaide Oval, and the Gabba is about to get a two billion dollar redevelopment.
“From a fan’s perspective, the SCG holds a special place in many people’s hearts, but it can only continue to go for so long. The Churchill-Brewongle and O’Reilly stands are very outdated and old compared to other venues, and particularly compared to the shiny neighbour next door now [Allianz Stadium].”
The push for SCG redevelopment is supported by Swans CEO Tom Harley.
“We are extremely proud of the SCG and we want it to be shown in the best possible light,” Harley said. “The obvious extension to that is for our fans to have the best possible facilities.
The Swans support a redevelopment of the SCG.Credit:Getty Images
“Given the advancement of facilities around the country, and the Gabba will be the next one with the Olympics coming up, you don’t want the SCG to really only have nostalgia as its point of difference.”
During the Sydney Test last January then Venues NSW chairman Tony Shepherd and then Cricket Australia chairman Lachlan Henderson both supported the SCG redevelopment.
“The Churchill Brewongle and O’Reilly stands were built in the 1980s, some years before the old Sydney Football Stadium that we’ve now replaced,” Shepherd said.
“The Members and Ladies pavilions are the defining features of this ground and require investment to preserve them for future generations.
“It’s a big job, but if the success of the new Allianz proves anything, it proves that investment in major public facilities is worth every cent.”
Germon claimed that investing in grassroots and investing in elite sport was not mutually exclusive, with many young players inspired by the stars of today.
At the other end of the scale, Cricket NSW is looking at investing in over 170 local community cricket projects across the state during the next four years, intending to double the participation numbers of children between five and 12.
“This investment will help grow participation in cricket across NSW, resulting in significant health, wellbeing and social benefits for the community.”
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