Tigerland will be (partially) rebuilt using glue‑laminated timber after Australia’s largest hardwood manufacturer, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH), was selected by Built Environs to help redevelop Punt Road Oval — the spiritual home of the Richmond Football Club since 1885. Wood Central understands that the works will see ASH’s MASSLAM post-and-beam system extensively used throughout the new precinct, including in the new Jack Dyer Stand, which replaces the 1913-era structure demolished last month.
Speaking to Wood Central this afternoon, Daniel Wright, Director and National Business Development Manager for ASH, confirmed the new stand will add capacity for 4,000 spectators and deliver 19,233 square metres of new and refurbished space.
“It’s exciting to be involved in a project like Richmond’s new grandstands — not just because many of us at ASH are passionate Tigers supporters, but because stadiums are fast becoming a showcase for what mass timber can achieve,” Wright said. “ASH has built a reputation for delivering exceptional post‑and‑beam structures, and with our recent capacity expansion, we’re now able to take on even more stadiums, long‑span roof projects, and large‑scale social housing. The next few years are set to feature some landmark developments, and we hope to play a role all the way through to the Brisbane Olympics.”
In July, Richmond CEO Shane Dunne stated that the new grandstand is crucial to re-establishing Punt Road as a community asset and an elite sporting venue. “We are incredibly grateful the Victorian Government shares our vision for this iconic site and our commitment to re‑establish Punt Road Oval as a community asset and state‑of‑the‑art facility for men’s and women’s sport,” he said.
The redevelopment, designed by COX Architecture, will honour the heritage of the original grandstand while introducing contemporary forms and sustainable materials. Plans include expanding the oval to match the MCG’s dimensions, removing cars from Yarra Park via underground parking, and creating landscaped public spaces.
The project also aligns with the Victorian Government’s broader push to “level the playing field” for women’s sport, with more than $100 million invested in upgrading Australian football facilities for women across the state. With construction now underway, Punt Road Oval is set to remain the beating heart of Tigerland — and a benchmark for how sustainable timber can help shape the next generation of Australian sporting venues.
