Would the Griffins approve of Canberra's proposed waterfront stadium?
A waterfront stadium was part of the original plan for Canberra, but a historian says a new proposed venue could "knock out parts" of the architects' legacy.
The Canberra Airport has proposed a waterfront stadium in the city centre, sparking concerns among heritage advocates. The airport's CEO and a group of business owners plan to purchase land owned by the Catholic Church to construct a stadium with a seating capacity of 25,000 to 35,000. The airport intends to contribute to the project's development but will not seek ownership or ongoing financial interest in operating the stadium.
ACT Planning Minister Chris Steel expressed interest in the proposed stadium, calling its render "incredible." However, further study is needed to assess its impact on transport, parking, and the Griffin legacy. Tony Maple, a member of the Canberra and Region Heritage Researchers network, emphasized that the Griffin's original stadium design was vastly different from the proposed one.
He pointed out that the Griffin's stadium was a flat structure for general assemblies and was not a multi-storey building. Maple expressed concern that the proposed stadium could encroach significantly on the Griffin's legacy and take over a substantial portion of Commonwealth Park, impacting the city's parks and gardens.
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