Melbourne’s reputation as a world-class sports and entertainment city is supported by iconic venues like Marvel Stadium.
Located in the heart of Docklands, the stadium plays a dual role as a premier venue for local and international events and as the headquarters of the Australian Football League (AFL).
WT has been part of this journey from the beginning, providing cost management and quantity surveying services during the original stadium design and build that opened in 2000. Marvel Stadium became a pioneer in Australian sports infrastructure as the first to feature a fully retractable roof and movable lower seating tiers, accommodating both oval and rectangular configurations.
Long-term cost management through repairs and redevelopment
Our relationship with Marvel Stadium continued in the early 2010s, when we were re-engaged to support Melbourne Stadiums Limited, who operated the stadium. We provided cost advice and managed the repair process, ensuring safe and timely restoration of key areas.
In 2016, we were engaged by the AFL to provide cost management and whole of life assessments as part the Technical Due Diligence reporting that led to the AFL purchasing Marvel Stadium.
This then quickly followed in our engagement in 2016 and 2017 to look at the overall masterplan for redevelopment of Marvel Stadium and the connecting pedestrian networks. In 2018, following the Victorian Government’s $225 million commitment to revitalising the venue, we were once again appointed by the AFL as cost manager and program adviser for the stadium’s largest upgrade to date.
Our team provided cost management and quantity surveying services across the redevelopment, including cost planning, value engineering, procurement advice, contract administration, and ongoing financial reporting. We also provided full program development, management and analysis to ensure operations could continue while in construction. Our role was critical in aligning the project scope with budget and time delivery expectations, while preserving the stadium’s versatility and legacy.
Enhancing the visitor experience inside and out
The redevelopment, completed in 2023, has transformed both the internal and external stadium experience. Key precinct upgrades include new public arrival zones at the eastern and southern entries, as well as a new all-weather ‘Stadium Square’ designed for year-round fan engagement.
Inside, the stadium now features upgraded food and beverage facilities, function spaces with panoramic views, new scoreboards, enhanced player changerooms, sensory rooms and other supporting guest amenities such as changing places, parents’ room and multi-faith prayer room. These upgrades have elevated Marvel Stadium’s ability to host diverse events and deliver a premium experience for all users.
WT is proud to have played a foundational and ongoing role in the evolution of Marvel Stadium, supporting the AFL in delivering a future-ready venue in the heart of Melbourne.
