After two concepts of ANZ Stadium redevelopment were shelved, here's the third one. But this time groundbreaking is set just several months away. So it might just happen...

The grand programme of stadium replacement in Sydney hasn't been going smoothly, exactly. Allianz Stadium was demolished only for the public to hear that there is no contractor to deliver the successor. Now it's time for the greater stadium, the one which hosted the 2000 Olympics.

Consultation is now ongoing on ANZ Stadium redevelopment. It's already the third concept for how the new ANZ Stadium should look. Two previous versions were created by BVN, this one came from Australia's architectural power brand – Cox Architecture. Interestingly, the projected capacity continues to decline. In 2014 it was to hold 80,000 people, in 2016 down to 75,000 and now just 70,000.

Complete redevelopment of ANZ Stadium includes tearing down of two lower tiers of seating, created back in the days of 2000 Olympics. This would mean both grandstands behind goals and a total of 5 floors of facilities along the sides.

The gaping hole would then be filled by brand new seating, still with two tiers but far more compact and steeper than before. All in order to provide better sightlines for fans of football and rugby. Along the sides the front row will move towards the field by 5m, while behind goals the distance would be decreased by some 18 meters.

Because the seating is more robust and most distant upper seats are to be dismantled, the auditorium will be scaled down from 85,000 to 70,000. All seats would be protected thanks to significant roof extension. Still based on two main arches, it would be covered with translucent membrane, under which small trees would be planted on each end of the stadium.

The entire stadium is to be re-equipped, from spectator facilities to landscaping and a light aluminium facade on each end. While fans may celebrate higher comfort, for taxpayers the bill is significantly more friendly than the initial idea of a brand new stadium. That would have cost $1.3 billion instead of the projected $810m of this latest vision (US$550 million).

For the time being, citizens can voice their opinions on the proposed revamp, until October 23. But it seems unlikely much would change if the proposed time frame is to be retained. Currently beginning of demolition is expected past next year's State of Origin game, which is in June. Should this happen, completion would come as early as first quarter of 2023.