Manuka Oval Media and Function Centre

Canberra, Australia

The Manuka Oval Media and Function Centre was designed to meet International Cricket Council standards as an international test match venue, while supporting the wider sporting objectives for the venue of both Cricket Australia and AFL. It provides a home ground identity for the GWS Giants and offers non-game day hiring opportunities to the wider community.

Innovative thinking resulted in flexible interior spaces which can be transformed as required; hosting up to 200 media reporters and staff during the cricket season, and serving as an extra-ordinary event space for approximately 220 visitors for AFL and community events. Furniture is either multi-purpose, fold-able or easily stacked and stored. The interior design integrates seamlessly with the architecture and draws inspiration from the Australian love of sport, nearby flora and the surrounding Canberra suburbs, resulting in the selection of coloured and textured materials.

The design of the Manuka Oval Media and Function Centre delivers a high quality, state-of-the-art facility while minimising construction costs and meeting the heritage requirements of the Development Control Plan. Just six months after its opening, the centre received a commendation at the 2019 ACT Architecture Awards in the Commercial Building category.