Image: How the new-look Westpac Stadium will look

The Wellington Regional Stadium Trust has unveiled its new masterplan for the multi-million dollar redevelopment of the New Zealand capital's Westpac Stadium.

Populous, the global architectural practice which was involved in the venue's original design, has been involved with drawing up proposals for the new phased scheme.

According to the trust, Westpac Stadium faces challenges from Dunedin's new Forsyth Barr Stadium; the redevelopment of Auckland's Eden Park; and the rebuild of Christchurch's AMI Stadium.

The newly-launched masterplan is designed to ensure the Wellington facility remains one of the country's foremost venues, with the first phase covering a four-year period.

Under the proposals, the majority of the first phase will be completed ahead the FIFA Under 20 Football and ICC Cricket World Cups - both of which are due to take place in 2015.

Improvements will include an upgrade of the main changing rooms and the addition of new changing rooms; match offices; media facilities and an upgrade of the Deloitte Club Lounge.

A new mezzanine lounge bar on the western side's public concourse and a mezzanine lounge on the eastern side are also expected to form part of the first phase.

Future improvements, currently scheduled for 2016 and beyond, will include the covering of the entrance gate and a replacement of the stadium's exterior cladding.

A trust spokesperson said: "The stadium will be opened up to its Wellington waterfront location, letting in more light and views of the waterfront and city.

"There will be new mezzanine hospitality areas on the concourse providing great places for patrons to meet before and during events, and take in the stadium's stunning location."

Details: www.westpacstadium.co.nz