Another article about brooky with more detail on how they plan to get funding.
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EXCLUSIVE
Manly Sea Eagles conjure revolutionary way to help build new 25,000 seat stadium
Manly CEO Tony Mestrov is in talks with government to execute revolutionary plans for a precinct redevelopment at Brookvale Oval, which would include housing for essential service workers and a bigger crowd capacity.
Manly Sea Eagles have devised revolutionary plans for a precinct redevelopment and increased capacity for Brookvale Oval, which would include housing for essential service workers.
This masthead can reveal Manly chief executive Tony Mestrov has started dialogue with major Sydney developers about transforming Brookvale into a 25,000-seat boutique stadium.
The plan, still in its infancy, would involve the ground and adjoining land at Brookvale being redeveloped to ensure the club enjoys “income streams forever.”
Mestrov will continue working with government, Northern Beaches council and developers this week.
“I have gone to the Government and said we would provide housing for essential service workers, ambulance, fire fighters, police, people who may not be able to afford to live in the area,” Mestrov said.
“Northern Beaches Hospital is close by too with nurses in particular seeking local housing.
“It would be a matter of developers and Government coming together in the community to provide housing. It would be a great story for all.
“(Housing) can be unaffordable in the Manly area so to help us build what we want so there would be no bigger announcement than having those essential service workers here and providing other essential services in the precinct.
“There are a couple of ways to build revenue streams back to the organisation.
“And developers are interested in a redevelopment. At the end of the day, they would take a portion, as would we and there would be revenue streams into the future for both.
“There are various things you can develop around here where you can make money, various franchises.
“With the lack of funds in football stadia, we have to go down this path. We haven’t had one discussion where I’ve hit a dead-end. Discussions are going really well.”
Manly look at Allianz Stadium, CommBank Stadium and the impending Penrith Stadium with envy, the club desperately hoping for a new stadium that can house more than 18,000 fans.
“Redeveloping 4 Pines will provide us with income streams forever,” Mestrov said. “That’s what I’m looking for, to ensure that the club has that long-term, rather than relying on gates, sponsorship and commerciality.
“From our oval point of view, we are disadvantaged and we know it. We need to bridge that gap otherwise we will be forever chasing. Look at what’s happening at Penrith?”
“We’re not on the same playing field. We need to build a precinct and oval. Brookvale Oval will always be our home but we need to step into the future and the community along with Manly supporters deserve a better facility.”
Mestrov met with NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper in Las Vegas to discuss the proposal, the pair to continue discussions in coming weeks.
Northern Beaches Council owns Brookvale Oval but sources claim the third-tier Government authority would be prepared to share some costs.
The Sea Eagles have decided to brainstorm revenue-raining ideas for a new ground, conceding the State Government won’t outlay funds on stadia.
“The oval is an absolute priority to me,” Mestrov said. “That is the future for this club. The major facet of my job is to absolutely pursue this.
“We have spoken to a number of large development companies and I have had a couple of positive chats with Steve Kamper and he is really interested.
“Maybe the developers could own the oval and charge us a fee? They could be partial landlords with us.”
Manly and the Roosters, both winners in Las Vegas, will play before a capacity crowd at 4 Pines Park on Sunday afternoon with the Sea Eagles expected to announce a sell out by Wednesday.
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“We’re back home in front of our own fans so we have plenty to play for,” Mestrov. “We are heading for a sell out and it should be (announced) by Wednesday, if not Tuesday.”
The club has established a new bar area – called The Garden Bar – behind the eastern hill which will include a big screen.
“That means if the hill is full, you can still be there in the ground,” Mestrov said.
