Sydney’s former Olympic Stadium is set for a AU$350m (US$292.8m, €237.8m, £186.7m) redevelopment, with plans including a full roof and pitch-side seating.

As part of the proposals, the ANZ stadium’s capacity will remain above 80,000, though for smaller matches a high-tech lighting system will create a more intimate atmosphere. The designs also include a retractable roof, allowing the stadium to become weatherproof for certain sporting and entertainment events. Another aspect planned is a new ‘dynamic entertainment zone’ to include bars cafés and restaurants.

The stadium, built for the athletics events in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, has been criticised for not having seats close enough to the pitch. The new plans include moveable seating at both ends of the ground to create a rectangle for rugby league, rugby union and football or to create an oval for AFL, athletics and cricket. The changes will allow fans to sit within 5m (16ft) of the pitch. Australia’s largest privately-owned engineering and construction firm, Laing O’Rourke, has been tasked to carry out the proposed redevelopment, while BVN Architecture will handle the design.

The stadium’s owner – Stadium Australia Group – is currently lobbying the government for around AU$250m (US$209.1m, €169.8m, £133.4m) to modernise the 15-year-old venue, with the remaining AU$100m (US$83.6m, €67.9m, £53.4m) expected to come from Stadium Australia.