Hunter Stadium is a rectangular multi-purpose outdoor stadium that is the home ground to the Hunter Region’s two flagship sporting franchises, the Newcastle Knights (NRL) and the Newcastle Jets (A-League). The stadium was built in two stages: the 1st stage commenced in 2004, and the 2nd in 2008.
Oakdale Group tendered and won the formwork package for both stages of the stadium build.
The project was a redevelopment of the former International Sports Centre and involved the remediation of playing surfaces, and construction of the new Eastern and Western Grandstands. These stands tower some 30 metres high with a further 10 metre high covering. The ground can now hold up to 33,000 spectators and is of international standard.
Oakdale managed the project from their Head Office and yard facilities at Beresfield, NSW.
Project challenges for Oakdale were:
- Structure is in the main ’off the form’ finish; requirement for off-form detail finishes
- Formwork for large scale structural members; shear walls & thrust blocks to support a large cantilevered roof, major tiered seating installation and raking work
- Tight timeframe to meet NSW state sport competition seasons
Oakdale were able to respond and meet these challenges through:
- Our engineer and supervisor monitored the works for workmanship to ensure a class 2 finish was achieved throughout. We tested and used a better method for sealing up the base of shuttering to prevent water loss from concrete pours (minimise honeycombing)
- Our tableform and column formwork systems are designed to enable us to interchange ply to suit class of finish required
- Availability of our workshop facilities to provide prefabricated formwork for standard and non-standard formwork – saved time on-site; quick site assembly and job savings
- We regularly attended meetings with the Head Contractor to monitor the programme and respond with required manpower and resources to achieve timely completion
Head Contractor:
John Holland Group
Formwork Subcontract Oakdale Project Team:
Engineer: David Gratton
Newcastle Area Manager: Pat Power
Site Supervisor: Jason Griffin
