“No expense spared”: Lyon’s passionate plea about MCG redevelopment

The MCG has officially appointed architectural firm Architectus, in partnership with Foster + Partners and MANICA, to redevelop the MCG.

According to the Herald Sun, the experts will assess the state of the stadium and precinct, with a particular eye on the ageing Shane Warne Stand, which was built in 1992.

Previous reports have suggested the stadium’s capacity will be expanded to 105,000, with every seat in the Warne Stand replaced.

It comes amid speculation that the redevelopment could cost up to $3 billion due to rising construction costs.

While that’s a huge invoice for the State Government, SEN Breakfast’s Garry Lyon has urged them to leave no expense spared.

He explained his position while speaking to his co-host Tim Watson, who doesn’t fully agree with that opinion.

Lyon: “This is what I am passionate about. The Southern Stand at the MCG.

“They've appointed an architect and a designer to go to work on how they're going to redevelop the Southern Stand, which is now the Shane Warne Stand at the MCG.

“That is the next big thing that's going to happen at this magnificent sporting precinct.

“How critical it is that we get this right, Tim, that we maintain the integrity of the stadium, but also move into the next generation, because we don't want to have to keep upgrading it, and can I say this. No expense should be spared here.

“I can sit back and watch the state government build train lines and rail lines, and that's okay, but this thing here is for the whole of Victoria that is used every single week. There should be no expense spared on this redevelopment.”

Watson: “So, you don't mind if it costs $10 billion?”

Lyon: “No, not one bit.”

Watson: “See, you're hypocritical again because you're always complaining about how much they spend.”

Lyon: “That's my whole point. They're spending money on all these other things. This is the beating heart of our state, not the rail line from wherever it is… internationally, people around the world come to this stadium.

“What, you don't want the MCG to be the best sporting stadium in the world?”

Watson: “I do, but I think it's already the best sporting stadium in the world, and I don't mind a little tidy up. I don't mind a little renovation, but all things within reason, I would think.”

Lyon: “I couldn't disagree with you more. Get this thing done. I don't want to have to revisit it in 20 years and say, ‘Gee, we should have done it properly last time’.”