Proposals to upgrade Melbourne's sports infrastructure

As Harnden pointed out, it is, for the most part, a nighttime venue. Full to bursting on evenings when major events are in town, it is notably empty on an average weekday – an odd sight in an era of a growing population and squeezed inner-city space.

According to Melbourne sports magnate Eddie McGuire, the answer to both sports precincts’ future relevance lies right between their noses.

Of McGuire’s many ideas for the city’s future, building a sports and entertainment precinct over the rail tracks between the MCG and Melbourne Park is among his most enduring. He said it would lead to more foot traffic through Melbourne Park, and allow its modern facilities to be put to use during major events hosted at the MCG, such as the AFL grand final.

“We’ve got all of this magnificent infrastructure that the government has built … Centrepoint is just one of the best places, Rod Laver, Margaret Court, John Cain, all there. Collingwood’s ground is across the road. Punt Road’s there,” he said. “It costs you a fortune every time you put a marquee up [outside the MCG] … portable toilets. This is all there [at Melbourne Park]. Beautiful, air-conditioned, plumbed, magnificent.”

McGuire said covering the rail tracks would enable major events to expand their fan offerings outside the grounds, with big screens, stages, pop-up pubs and restaurants – a concept recently proven by the NFL’s takeover of Yarra Park to mirror popular tailgating parties outside games in the US. It would also limit the need to rely on temporary facilities in the parkland, which has frustrated some local residents.

“For major football games, cricket games, rugby league games, NFL games … we could get 100,000 in the ground and 200,000 around it, and turn it into a complete festival,” he said.

“You can then buy tickets to come into the precinct, but the outer precinct you can make free for kids and have jumping castles and AusKick over at Gosch’s Paddock, and turn the whole place into something great … You’ve got to remember why you’re doing it, and that’s why you’re doing it. It’s not just for the bloke with the super box, it’s for the kid who’s coming in, and maybe even for the kid who can’t get in.”

McGuire said he understood the idea would be explored as part of the MCG redevelopment business case. He said the main question still to be answered was how much it would cost and who would fund it, adding private equity could play a role. Harnden has also thrown his support behind the idea.

“From Melbourne Park’s perspective, stronger connections with the MCG would make it easier for people to experience everything this extraordinary precinct has to offer. We would welcome the opportunity to help shape any future proposal so it works well for visitors, events and the precinct as a whole,” he said.

Victorian Tourism Industry Council chief executive Lisa Patroni said she also viewed it as a natural next step.

“As competition between global destinations intensifies, we must continue to think ambitiously about the infrastructure, experiences and connections that will position Melbourne as a leading global destination for generations to come,” she said.

“Connecting two of Melbourne’s iconic sporting destinations [the MCG and Melbourne Park] presents an exciting opportunity to shape the future of Melbourne as Australia’s premier events and sporting capital … [and] would unlock new opportunities to experience, stay, explore and spend more time in our city. It represents the next evolution of a truly world-class events precinct and strengthens Melbourne’s ability to attract and host major sporting, cultural and business events well into the future.”

The state government did not respond to a request for comment.

McGuire said that once the rail area was covered, the precinct could be further expanded to connect other key areas of the city.

“I’ve always felt that the difference between Melbourne and particularly Sydney is [that] Sydney is a whole series of villages around this magnificent harbour. Melbourne has always had football grounds, racecourses, everything that was open to the public … so it’s just about connecting all that up,” he said.

Melbourne Assembly will be held from October 19 to October 21. More information is available on the Melbourne Assembly website.