The future of the MCG is in your hands

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 10, 2026

Victorians are invited to provide feedback on a $15 million business case guiding the redevelopment of the Melbourne Cricket Ground to modernize the stadium and enhance its facilities. The consultation aims to incorporate community input to ensure the MCG continues to serve as a major cultural and economic landmark, hosting millions of visitors and supporting thousands of jobs annually.

Victorians will have the opportunity to provide input on the future of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as part of a major redevelopment project aimed at modernizing the historic stadium. Beginning Monday, the public is invited to offer feedback on a business case that will guide plans to upgrade the venue to meet the evolving needs of athletes, fans, and visitors.

The consultation process seeks community views on various aspects of the MCG, including features to retain, modify, or remove, ensuring that the redevelopment aligns with the priorities of those who regularly use and cherish the stadium. Melbourne Cricket Club chief Stuart Fox emphasized the importance of this engagement, describing the MCG as the “beating heart of Melbourne” and encouraging input from members, fans of all teams, and the wider Victorian community.

The redevelopment initiative, currently in its early stages, involves a $15 million business case that assesses the condition of the stadium and explores options related to planning frameworks, stand construction, and project timelines. The business case is being developed with input from leading architectural and engineering firms. The design team includes Architects in partnership with Foster + Partners and MANICA, while global infrastructure firm AECOM—known for its work on high-profile venues such as Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and SoFi Stadium—serves as the engineering consultant.

Preliminary plans under consideration include replacing the Shane Warne Stand, adding new bars and restaurants, and potentially incorporating a hotel into the precinct. Sport Minister Steve Dimopoulos highlighted the MCG’s significance as a cultural landmark and stressed the value of community feedback in shaping the stadium’s future.

The move toward redevelopment follows a 2024 study that underscored the MCG’s substantial economic and social impact. In that year, the stadium hosted 69 major events attended by over four million people. These events attracted more than 620,000 visitors to Victoria and contributed roughly $720 million to the state’s economy, supporting approximately 7,500 full-time-equivalent jobs.

The public consultation survey is open until September 13 and can be accessed online at engage.vic.gov.au/MCG_future. Authorities hope that insights gathered from this process will inform the ongoing development of the business case and ensure the MCG remains a world-class sporting and entertainment venue for decades to come.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.