Michael Tuck Stand
Michael Tuck Stand
Client:
City of Boroondara Council
Location:
Melbourne, Victoria
Status:
In progress
Contact Person:
Sophie Cleland
The revitalisation of the heritage-listed Michael Tuck Stand at Glenferrie Oval will breathe new life into one of Hawthorn’s most cherished landmarks, transforming the historic grandstand into an inclusive community asset while honouring its rich sporting and architectural legacy.
Built in 1938 and listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, the Michael Tuck Stand has long been embedded in the identity of Glenferrie Oval and the wider Hawthorn community.
The project carefully balances heritage conservation with contemporary functionality, ensuring the landmark can continue to serve future generations.
The revitalised stand will become a hub for sport, arts and community life, providing flexible spaces for community gatherings, events and cultural activities, alongside facilities that support the growing participation of women and girls in sport.
Protecting character while adding contemporary elements
The design preserves the stand’s distinctive 1930s Moderne character, retaining its tiered seating, sweeping roofline and iconic timekeeper’s tower while introducing carefully integrated contemporary additions.
New elements, including a glazed upper level and public entry, enhance accessibility and functionality while respecting the building’s heritage significance and views to and from the oval.
“Flexibility is a key principle in the way we’ve approached inclusiveness,” says Sophie Cleland, Architectus Principal and project lead.
“The multipurpose spaces have multiple modes and we’ve created player change zones that can be configured to two or four suites, with amenities for all genders shared between home and visiting teams.”
“Materials and colour have been used to ensure the Michael Tuck Stand is a contemporary, playful and robust facility,” Sophie adds.
The redevelopment includes community meeting rooms, a large multipurpose space overlooking the oval, accessible amenities and acoustically designed rooms for band rehearsals and social use. Improved circulation and facilities will help establish the stand as a welcoming destination for a diverse range of users.
New opportunities for community connection
Developed in collaboration with the City of Boroondara, RBA Architects and Conservation Consultants, and other project partners, the proposal reflects a shared commitment to preserving the stand’s unique character while creating meaningful new opportunities for community connection.
“Shaped by consultation between Council and the community, our design helps define a renewed role for this much-loved stand. Its dynamic curvature and generous volume provided us with incredible inspiration,” Sophie explained.
“Our approach holds the building’s heritage firmly at the centre, while carefully upgrading it to contemporary standards and opening it up as a welcoming, highly functional asset for a far broader cross-section of the community.”
Councillor Wes Gault, Mayor of Boroondara, also hailed the new design and the building’s importance to the community. “Hardly a day goes by when people don’t ask me when the stand will be reopened, highlighting how central it is to residents,” he says.
“With new multi-purpose spaces and a focus on women and girls’ sport, I’m incredibly excited for the historic Michael Tuck Stand’s next era at the very heart of our community,” says Mayor Gault.
A part of the broader Glenferrie Oval precinct renewal, refurbishment works on the Michael Tuck Stand are expected to commence in late 2026.
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Client:
City of Boroondara Council
Location:
Melbourne, Victoria
Status:
In progress
Contact Person:
Sophie Cleland
Key People
Chris Jones
Associate
Melbourne
Registered Architect VIC (15497)
Georgia Eade
Associate
Melbourne
Registered Architect VIC (800674)
