ANZ Stadium revamp part of Olympic Park masterplan

The next phase of development at ANZ Stadium could include a retractable roof and improved retractable seating following the announcement of a Sydney Olympic Park masterplan.

While it's not the first time the roof and seating has been proposed, it has once again been put on the agenda after the NSW state government unveiled a $250 million plan for the site of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

The 14-year-old stadium has had numerous upgrades since the Olympic Games, primarily with its seating. Currently the seats on the two sides can roll in to bring fans closer to the action for rectangular sports but future plans enable the two ends to also roll in.

It's expected any such change would reduce seating from 83,500 to around 80,000. The plans had previously been seen during Australia's bid for the FIFA World Cup.

The government hopes the launch of the masterplan video will stimulate new private investment in the precinct.
 
Its launch comes only months after Stadium Australian Group offered to sell ANZ Stadium back to the government for $100 million.
 
Mr Annesley backed the move, but Treasury rejected it, leading to doubts about the future viability of the stadium. Stadium Australia is now prepared to fund part of the development if the government commits to a lease extension of about 30 years when its present lease ends in 2031.

ANZ Stadium plays host to some of the country's biggest sporting events including the NRL Grand Final, State of Origin, Socceroos matches and Wallabies tests.

Sport Minister Graham Annesley has worked closely with the Sydney Olympic Park Authority and the government architect's office to sharpen the long-term vision for the entertainment precinct, including the creation of the video which includes animation of a roof opening over ANZ Stadium.

Sport Minister Graham Annesley has worked closely with the Sydney Olympic Park Authority and the government architect's office to sharpen the long-term vision for the entertainment precinct, including the creation of the video which includes animation of a roof opening over ANZ Stadium.