News Archive
Date: January 10th 2008 Projects: Eden Park, Dunedin Multi-Purpose Stadium
International sports specialists firm, HOK Sport Architecture, is moving ahead with the designs for the redevelopment of Auckland’s main rugby ground, Eden Park, and the new Dunedin Multi-Purpose Stadium, as New Zealand steps up its stadium construction programme for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
The Eden Park Redevelopment Board, in Auckland, has been given the green light by the New Zealand Government for its enhanced design, for a 60,000 seat redeveloped stadium for the RWC Final. It will reduce down to 50,000 afterwards, and Eden Park will then become the Premier stadium in the country for both rugby and cricket. The total cost of the project is estimated at NZD $240M.
The design proposals being developed in HOK Sport's Brisbane and New Zealand offices include:
- A new two-tier East Stand to replace the existing Terraces,
- A new single bowl of open seating to replace the Panasonic Stand,
- A public concourse to link the ASB, East and South Stands
- A public plaza and concourse providing integrated rail and bus links to the stadium
- Enhanced landscaping around the perimeter of the Park
- Improved sound proofing ( with as new noise barrier)
- A new design motif for the South Stand incorporating the silver fern
In addition, HOK Sport Architecture, in conjunction with local architects, JASMAX, has been appointed to develop what is hoped will be the world’s first fully covered natural grass stadium in Dunedin, also intended for the RWC 2011.
The rectangular pitch stadium of 20,000 permanent seats is expandable to 30,000 for Test Rugby and will recreate the unique characteristics of Dunedin Rugby's "House of Pain."
HOK Sport Principal Alastair Richardson said the philosophy is to allow as much natural light as possible onto the field of play to assist with the growing of a natural turf pitch under a covered roofed stadium.
"The research into the pitch surface is still ongoing between HOK Sport and Sport Surface Design and Management, Connell Wagner and Vector Foiltec but preliminary results are promising," said Alastair.
In terms of design, the envelope is envisaged to be a mix of zincalume, ETFE and glass.; 70% of the roof is proposed to be made up of ETFE pillows allowing for the correct level of UV to reach the turf for optimum growth; and the North Stand is a single tiered stand allowing for a reduced height northern envelope to allow maximum light onto the pitch.
For further information please contact
Michele Fleming or Alastair Richardson at Populous (Brisbane)
Telephone +61 (0)7 3839 9155
Facsimilie +61 (0)7 3839 9188
Email media@populous.com