A look into the redevelopment of Australia's iconic SCG

It may not be the biggest stadium in Australia, but it’s one of the oldest with a rich history dating back to the early 1800s.

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), as it stands today, blends distinctive original architecture with state-of-the-art features due to an extensive redevelopment project spanning the last several years.

NHP played a role in the first stage of the plan, which was completed in 2008 with the opening of the Victor Trumper Stand, and was again involved in 2012 when work began on stage two.

The stage-two developments involved the replacement of the MA Noble, Sir Don Bradman and Dally Messenger stands, which was completed last July, boosting the SCG’s capacity to 48,000.

NHP worked closely with Barnwell Cambridge and its nominated switchboard builder, SMB Harwal, to ensure the design and ultimate installation of the electrical switchgear was integrated throughout the entire site.

These developments involved the design of a three-tiered stand comprising five levels designed to align with the existing SCG Hill Grandstand profile. Improvements for spectators included seating closer to the field of play, increased undercover seating and the promise of unobstructed views. An extensive set of electrical works was also required to power one of the largest video screens of any Australian sportsground as well as the extensive catering, corporate, media and AFL player facilities.

To fulfil these power requirements NHP, Barnwell Cambridge and SMB Harwal delivered four main switchboards (MSBs), four main distribution boards (MDBs), four low-voltage distribution boards (LVDBs) and 60 distribution boards (DBs).

“Barnwell Cambridge selected the NHP product for many reasons including engineering support, product range, quality of products and specific features to ensure the final solution met the needs of the complex project,” said Anthony Cambridge from Barnwell Cambridge.

“This was enhanced with the ability of NHP to deliver products on a project with tight time frames, where the power reticulation needs to be completed and operational before the rest of the building. This was to ensure that the major international sporting events of the Fifth and deciding Cricket Ashes Test and Major League Baseball would be played without interruption.”

The various board requirements included a range of Terasaki air circuit breakers and automatic transfer switch units, Socomec load break switches, DIN-T miniature circuit breakers as well as other NHP chassis assembly components.

“Whilst future development requirements and continuity of brand throughout the site were important considerations, it was our proven product range and working relationships at all levels of a project that made us the right electrical supplier for the stage two developments,” said NHP Business Development Manager–Projects Paul McIlwain.

“Our feedback from the consultant, contractor and switchboard builder has been positive and given the project was delivered in a manner that met all parties’ expectations, it has been a great outcome for all involved.”

Other additional features of the sporting ground now include free Wi-Fi, IPTV and in-seat ordering, and a world-class media centre.

The SCG won Project of the Year for the MA Noble, Don Bradman and Dally Messenger stand redevelopment at the global 2015 TheStadiumBusiness Awards held in Barcelona on 10 June.

Images courtesy of NHP.