Background
Located in central ACT, Manuka Oval is the Australian Capital Territory’s major sporting oval, with a 15,000-patron capacity. Opening its gates in 1924, the oval has been in operation for almost 100 years. During this time, the facility has morphed from an average suburban cricket ground, to be home to some of the biggest international cricket games and ALF matches throughout the year; including summer of cricket, big bash, state woman’s cricket, international and local levels.
With such high-level games being played at Manuka Oval, there was an increased potential threat level, with the majority of events known to draw large crowds. As the stadium can house such a substantial number of guests, installing a perimeter protection solution that could defend against a potential threat was a requirement for the site to elevate their security posture and protect guests visiting the oval.
Solution
Manuka Oval previously had a temporary hostile vehicle mitigation solution which included a mix of concrete road barriers and orange water road barriers scattered around the surrounds of the oval, but there were no permanent fixtures. As part of the Crowded Places Act for the Australian Capital Territory, facilities that are deemed as a crowded place must take precautionary action against potential terrorism or hostile attacks.
The definition of a crowded place within this act are locations which are easily accessible by large numbers of people on a predictable basis. A crowded place will not necessarily be crowded at all times; crowd densities may vary between day and night, by season, and may be temporary, as the case of sporting events, festivals, or one-off events.
As Manuka Oval is deemed as a crowded place, the site undertook advised self assessment to determine the level of perimeter protection they should include at their site. Venues ACT, Manuka Oval’s site managers then engaged with Gunnebo to begin planning a solution that would best suit the sites requirements.
Stewart Miller, HVM Specialist, Gunnebo Australia said:
“Venues ACT knew what they wanted when they approached us, it was more about being a trusted advisor and assisting in the product selection process which would allow the oval to reach their primary protection objectives”
Stewart and the team at Venues ACT worked closely together to develop a solution portfolio that would meet the requirements for Manuka Oval. The solution needed to compliment the existing security posture. Once product selection had occurred, Redbox Design Group, the primary landscape designers on the redevelopment project at the oval engaged Gunnebo to determine the optimal placements for the HVM products to enhance public safety without compromising aesthetics or usability of the space.
Installed on the perimeter of the facility are 23 static bollards and 7 planters, with static bollards underneath; all crash rated to PAS-68 standard. The static bollards are placed on the surrounds of the facility, whilst the planters are strategically placed throughout the open areas surrounding the oval. The planters are designed to
cover the static bollards underneath and provide an aesthetic approach to HVM.
The planters have also been converted into seating as well as planter boxes, to really enhance usability within the open space.
Early Engagement Benefit
Gunnebo were engaged early in the design phase by Venues ACT directly. Being engaged at this early stage allowed for Gunnebo to provide invaluable input for Venues ACT to be able to select the products best suited to their needs. This early engagement also made it easier when it was time for the primary landscape designers to come on board to know what products were specified and required for the project.
The client, designer and Gunnebo were able to work simultaneously to build the HVM security posture for Manuka Oval, installing a large quantity of bollards to protect the site whilst incorporating aesthetics and practicality to create a total package with their perimeter protection. This unique solution being developed early in the design phase allowed for the client and the landscaper to build an impressive entrance for the facility; something that can often be an after thought when it comes to implementing hostile vehicle mitigation solutions.
Gunnebo are a trusted advisor, leaders in providing solutions that deliver lifetime value. Our ability to utilize our years of expertise to recommend ideal products to Venues ACT has enabled us to deliver an optimal hostile vehicle mitigation solution for Manuka Oval. Gunnebo incorporated some of our key factors for success when working alongside Venues ACT and Redbox Design Group, to ensure the best possible outcome was achieved for the client.
Results
Since the redesign project concluded, the entire perimeter of Manuka Oval has received a face lift. Coming close to 100 years of operation, it was important for the venue to modernize their security approach to be in line with modern-day threats and scenarios. The dual utilization of the planters to be both planter boxes for aesthetics but also seating areas is a unique twist on HVM and one we don’t often see. Options such as planter boxes allows for flexibility in the design without compromising the crash rating of the product; it allowed Venues ACT to make the standard bollards into a solution that is visually appealing and practical.
The bollards and planters have had a positive impact on Manuka Oval, with the front entrances now looking neat and refreshed. The surrounds of the oval now boast beautifully manicured landscaping complimented by a range of protection barriers and seating areas. The bollards and planters have replaced the old concrete blockers which were quite intrusive for guests. Now guests are greeted with a modern and warm front entrance, which has received a substantial amount of positive feedback from patrons.
Venues ACT have noticed that there has been no people flow compromised, and have stated if anything, it has improved. Overall, the addition of the bollards has added a much-needed permanent perimeter security solution for Manuka Oval, as well as increase aesthetics surrounding the grounds.
For more information, get in touch with the Gunnebo Australia Team.
Email: info.au@gunnebo.com