Although pilot design plans are revealed, some aspects of the stadium are still undecided. McCulloch Architects principal John McCulloch is seeking permission to rebuild Stadium Southland on a similar footprint to the old stadium, integrating minor changes. According to the new proposal, the roof height will be increased from 14.5m to 18m, in order to ensure stronger, deeper trusses and a simpler roof design.
Other changes proposed by McCulloch Architects are extending three walls by up to 5m to enable quicker construction. Installation of mobile seating on the south wall, more space between each of the community courts, relocation of the climbing wall, new mobile seating and cantilevered seating, and a store and plant area are some other improvements. The northwest corner of the new stadium’s roofline may incorporate a regional centre of sporting excellence.
Completed in May 2000, the main SBS Sports Arena in the stadium has a capacity of 4,500, with temporary seating. In September 2010, a heavy snowfall caused a roof to collapse, with substantial structural damage to the complex. The rebuild is currently underway, and is expected to be ready in time for the 2012 sports season.
