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Plans for new-look SCG announced

The Sydney Cricket Ground's venerable MA Noble, Bradman and Messenger stands will be demolished and replaced by a vast new $186 million construction in time for the ground's next Ashes Test in January 2014

An aerial view of the new-look SCG, scheduled to be ready in time for the 2014 Ashes  •  SCG Trust

An aerial view of the new-look SCG, scheduled to be ready in time for the 2014 Ashes  •  SCG Trust

The Sydney Cricket Ground's venerable MA Noble, Bradman and Messenger stands will be demolished and replaced by a vast new $186 million construction in time for the ground's next Ashes Test in January 2014. On the occasion of the ground's 100th Test, the SCG Trust chairman Rodney Cavalier announced the redevelopment, which is being funded with the help of the federal and state governments.
"The new stands are another moment in the ground's evolution," Cavalier said. "The design instructions made it expressly clear that, when the work is completed, the stands will look like they have always belonged inside one of the world's greatest cricket grounds. Just as the Victor Trumper Stand fits in so beautifully.
"The Noble, Bradman and Messenger stands no longer meet the requirements of the modern day spectator. Their useful life is fast drawing to a close. Sightlines are obstructed by roof supporting pylons. The on-going costs of maintaining the existing stands continue to increase year on year. Additions, renovations and other upgrades have not greatly improved the viewing environment, access and egress for spectators, particularly the elderly and the disabled."
Built in 1936, 1973 and 1984 respectively, the three stands have dominated the northern end of the ground, but will make way for a complex that will increase the ground's capacity to about 48,000 and update amenities for spectators, as well as broadcasters and media, currently housed in the Noble/Bradman stands.
Sydney's marriage of old and new will be maintained by the retention of the Members Pavillion and the Ladies Stand, to the west of the new complex.