ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr says a $2.7 million commitment to Manuka Oval upgrades is not designed to build a "mini-MCG" but to deliver the premier boutique venue in the country.
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The money will be spent on adding small roofs over uncovered seats around the 13,550-capacity venue designed to lure more elite cricket and Australian rules to the city.
The Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka begins on Friday to mark the final piece of the puzzle in the government's four-year deal with Cricket Australia to play internationals in Canberra.
The bulk of the construction is slated to be completed in between the Greater Western Sydney Giants' three AFL regular season fixtures this year, bookended by a Friday night blockbuster against Hawthorn on August 9.
"That commitment is around $2.7 million in 2019, it will be delivered as part of our mid-year budget update, so it is an early pre-announcement," Barr said.
"The work will take place during this calendar year and it will be scheduled to avoid clashes with the AFL fixtures that are coming in 2019. We hope to have it complete in this calendar year ready for the next cricket season.
"The new shading we will fund this year will also provide a new camera stand at the northern end of the ground, so that will again reduce the temporary costs associated with staging events. We’re investing in the infrastructure here with a long-term view.
"It’s not going to hundreds of millions of dollars, and the intent here is not to turn Manuka Oval into a mini-MCG. This has to remain the best boutique cricket and AFL venue in the country.
"We have to respect the heritage of this precinct, and undertake redevelopment that is in accord with that… and of course within the means of the territory government.
"Our intent is clear, we will be progressively investing to improve the facility. I will be looking to partner with cricket and AFL to make those investments, and I’m sure that will be well received as we continue to successfully stage fantastic sporting events at this venue."
A temporary stand with a roof has been placed next to the scoreboard ahead of the Test match, with Cricket ACT officials expecting it to stay put until after February 9's Big Bash League match between the Sydney Thunder and Hobart Hurricanes at Manuka Oval.
The commitment to expanding the number of shaded seats at the venue comes after Manuka Oval's media centre was opened ahead of a WBBL-BBL double-header on December 21.
The media centre is a necessity for Canberra's ability to host a Test match, the four-storey building for which the government allocated $11.6 million worth of budget funding, and there is more on the horizon.
"The Manuka Oval master plan highlights the eastern precinct as one that would be in need of further investment, so that would be an area we’re looking to focus on in the coming period," Barr said.
"We’ll continue to work with cricket and the AFL to work through the list of agreed priorities. We would also be happy to welcome co investment from those sports in facilities. We’ve had productive discussions and productive partnerships with cricket and AFL."
Improving toilet and concession facilities have been highlighted as a further priority, with Giants chief executive Dave Matthews keen to play a role in delivering those upgrades.
Discussions about extending the Giants' deal with the territory government beyond 2021 have taken place and Matthews expects the deal will be renewed given it has been a bigger success than anticipated.
The future of Manuka Oval could be a key component in the monetary figure the parties settle on with Matthews adamant "fans deserve better facilities" in Canberra.
