Sydney Football Stadium Australia

The project is of state significance to the New South Wales Government and also experienced the added challenges of being delivered during the global pandemic. The state-of-the-art facility has a seating capacity of up to 42,500, integrating state-of-the-art technology to improve the fan experience, along with improved sightlines and facilities designed to meet future safety and access requirements. It also positions Sydney as an international sporting and entertainment destination of choice.

The ASSA ABLOY team was thrilled to secure the project and to collaborate with the design team including Cox Architecture and work with John Holland, Australia’s leading integrated construction group. Opening Solutions Pacific and North East Asia and Entrance Systems worked closely together to secure this project for the wider ASSA ABLOY Group. “Right from the start, we understood how important it was to be involved in such a significant State project”, said ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Regional Sales Manager for Specification (NSW & ACT), Stephen Hill.

“During the design phase of the project we liaised with most of John Holland’s sub-contractors on the façades, glazing, fire doors, electrical and gates. This enabled us to secure a larger portion of the products supplied on this project, including mechanical and electro-mechanical locks, keying, automatic door operators and more.” “The whole team worked closely to manage its complexity to ensure we could meet the client’s deadline. It truly was a full team effort.” 

ASSA ABLOY sat down with Alex York, Project Lead from Cox Architects, to find out more about the project.

What was the overarching vision for the project?

The vision for the project was ‘Pavilion in the Park', situated adjacent to Moore Park Rd.

The project needed to align with the most up to date regulations and requirements for state of the art, quality facilities and future proof as much as possible towards likely future regulations. The overarching design philosophy was to stay true to the original stadium design, mainly by maintaining the sweeping curves of the roof lines. This was legislated as part of the State Government project requirements, as well as a goal for the architects. The original stadium was itself originally designed by Philip Cox, the founder of Cox Architecture, and completed in 1988 as one of Sydney’s major bicentennial projects. Not only do the sweeping curves help the building sit into the undulating landscape surrounding it, they also significantly reduce the noise that can escape the stadium.

How did ASSA ABLOY help on the project?

Alex York said beyond the well-respected quality and reliability of our products, the help that ASSA ABLOY provided in relation to the finalisation of the door documentation was substantial. There was a total of 1500-2000 doors throughout the stadium and the team at ASSA ABLOY coordinated with the whole facades team of contractors to finalise the design packages. “We needed a clear head when it came to our doors and ASSA ABLOY brought their expertise, experience and robust global position to help us with that.” The specification was provided to the design team using ASSA ABLOY’s Openings Studio^™ industry-leading collaboration software.

Who was involved in the Project?

The highly collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to design was delivered by COX Architecture, Arup and Aspect Studios. The project delivery team included engineering partners Aurecon and Schlaich Bergermann Partner, led by design and construct contractor John Holland and funded by the NSW Government.

How has the project been received?

The quality that has been developed here is outstanding. The client is over the moon and there have been very few defects, which is unheard of on a job like this. The reaction of the public has been unanimously positive, including this fast-paced fly-through Sydney FC put together for its fanbase.