Greater Western Sydney Giants officials have promised to listen to the concerns of local residents as they plan for a massive redevelopment of Manuka Oval.
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Facing a group of angry locals at the Manuka shops on Wednesday, club chief operating officer Richard Griffiths said calls for detailed plans for the proposed $800 million Manuka Green project were premature. The club has prepared a "high level masterplan" but much more work would be completed if the unsolicited proposal goes ahead.
He stressed consultation would continue at each stage of the process.
The two-hour event attracted residents from the inner south and other suburbs, days after Mr Griffiths and board member Peter Taylor criticised opponents of the proposal and said a small group opposing it was being given too much prominence from the media.
Some of those who gathered said the event had not been properly publicised.
Kingston resident Scott French told club officials the redevelopment was not wanted and Manuka's way of life could be ruined if it went ahead.
"The issues are the grab of green space, because they want to take 15 per cent of the lawns from the Manuka Pool," he said.
"Mr Barr believes football fans are going to buy these units and that's just a nonsense. We see it as a grab for money, we're worried about the increase in traffic, the increase in retail space."
Manny Notaras, owner of the Caphs Cafe, said he welcomed the plan which would boost trade around Manuka.
"It's a great idea. Anyone who wants to bring $800 million into the economy gets thumbs-up from me," he said.
"They will work closely with the Manuka traders and as long as they don't go overboard, a 19,000-seat stadium and some more games would see every cafe full.
"A state of the art facility would see a lot more business for Manuka and 70 or 80 per cent would come to local businesses and leave something behind."
Griffith resident Barry Aldridge told officials better consultation with those residents closest to the ground was needed.
"The whole project is for the benefit of GWS and the developers. Their sole interest is profit, not our welfare or the residential nature of our suburb."
Mr Griffiths said traffic flow, car parking, heritage issues and further consultation were among the concerns raised.
"I've said this is a two-, three-, four-month process and I've tried to emphasise its a masterplan concept we've lodged with the government and the take outs from our community consultation will help shape the brief … if we get the go-ahead from government.
"Then there will be further consultation with the community, including through the other processes like a variation to the Territory Plan, consultation if it goes to the next step on development applications and planning approval. There is going to be ample opportunity for feedback."
He said there was general acceptance in the community that Manuka Oval required upgrades. With developer Grocon, GWS wants to build about 1000 apartments and a 160-room four star hotel.
Upgrades to the ground would improve player and crowd amenity and a gym, sports medicine clinic, retail and commercial facilities are planned.
"Our proposal provides a vehicle to achieve that because the government itself doesn't have the capacity to fund an upgrade to bring it to the level that it needs to be," Mr Griffiths said.
"We are very aware of all the environment, heritage, treescape and blending in with the ambience of the Manuka district. Grocon are world class designers and we will ensure that if this project goes ahead, that it doesn't detract from the environment that everyone enjoys today."
