Junction Oval redevelopment to be MCG back-up

New plans are set to be unveiled today for the revamp of Junction Oval.

The project, worth $40 million, aims to make the Junction Oval an option for the 2017-18 domestic cricket season, and a venue that can be available when the MCG isn’t.

The Herald Sun says the plans, which are in the community consultation phase, are different to those first released more than a year ago.

Sports Minister John Eren told 3AW Breakfast it was a great project.

‘This will be the home of cricket, and that’s what we made sure that there is an understanding out there, the need to home cricket there at Junction Oval,’ he said.

‘Never again will football clash with cricket.’

It’s hoped the project, led by the company that designed the MCG’s northern stand, will be completed by March 2017, to be available should Victoria host the Sheffield Shield final.

Work to upgrade the venue will start next year.

The Junction Oval in St Kilda hosted some big crowds in its heyday, including 46,973 for a St Kilda v Carlton VFL match in 1950.