Design team appointed for Melbourne Cricket Ground revamp

Article posted by Coliseum, June 18^th, 2026

Image: Coliseum GSVA

Development Victoria has appointed the lead design and engineering consultants to help shape the future of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia.

The Telegraph said that Architectus, in partnership with Foster + Partners and MANICA, has been appointed Lead Designer, with AECOM appointed as Engineering Consultant.

Development Victoria is working with the Victorian Government, Melbourne Cricket Club and the MCG Trust to investigate the future requirements of the MCG to help ensure the stadium and precinct maintains its world-class status for years to come.

The 100,024-capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), also known locally as the ‘G’, is a multipurpose sports stadium located in Yarra Park, Melbourne, Australia. It is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere, the 11^th-largest stadium globally and the second-largest cricket stadium by capacity.

Architectus, Foster + Partners and MANICA will provide advice on planning processes, how a new stand could be constructed and construction timelines for the MCG redevelopment.

Architectus brings significant experience delivering major projects across Australia and New Zealand.

The firm will work alongside Foster + Partners and MANICA, whose international expertise in the design of major sports and entertainment venues will strengthen the project team.

AECOM, a global infrastructure consulting firm, will work closely with the lead design team on the next phase of planning for the MCG redevelopment.

Together, the appointed consultants will support the business case, which started in October last year. It will assess the current state of the stadium and precinct, including the ageing Shane Warne Stand, built in 1992.

It will outline options to ensure the MCG continues to meet the needs of athletes, fans and visitors for decades to come.

Through the business case, stakeholders and the broader community will have the opportunity to have their say on the future of the venue, with consultation to begin soon.

Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said: “This is an important step for Australia’s most cherished sporting and major events venue.

“We are the sports and major events capital. 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.”

The MCG is the largest sporting stadium in the Southern Hemisphere. It has hosted some of the world’s most highly attended sporting and entertainment events.

A 2024 study found the stadium attracted more than four million attendees across 69 major events and brought more than 620,000 visitors to Victoria.

It also generated A$720 million for the state’s economy and supported 7,500 full-time equivalent jobs. The business case is due for completion in 2027.

The business case for the MCG redevelopment comes amid speculation the total cost of the redevelopment could blow out from an estimated A$2 billion to up to $3 billion due to rising construction costs.

The Herald Sun previously revealed the revamp was likely to see capacity of the MCG increased to about 105,000, every seat in the Shane Warne Stand replaced, new bars and restaurants added and a hotel being considered.

The $15m business case, which started last October, is due for completion next year.

Architectus principal and communities group director Mark van den Enden said the design partners were honoured to re-imagine the next evolution of the hallowed ground.

He said, “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.’’

Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stuart Fox said state government and MCG Trust support was fundamental to further develop this business case for a potential future MCG redevelopment.

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

Through the MCG business case for the MCG redevelopment, stakeholders and the broader community will have the opportunity to have their say on the future of the venue, with consultation to begin soon.

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