Michael Tuck Stand.

The Michael Tuck Stand at Glenferrie Oval is an important heritage sporting structure that has served as a long-standing landmark within Melbourne's sporting landscape since its original construction in the late 1930s. As part of a broader program of restoration and future adaptive reuse, Sheer Force Engineering was engaged by the City of Boroondara to undertake an independent technical peer review of the proposed remediation and restoration works.

Following completion of the review process, Sheer Force Engineering was subsequently engaged by head contractor Stokes Russo to provide temporary works engineering services during construction, allowing our team to support both the planning and delivery phases of the project.

Like many ageing reinforced concrete structures of its era, the Michael Tuck Stand exhibited widespread signs of deterioration accumulated over decades of service and environmental exposure.

Our investigations identified extensive concrete deterioration throughout the structure, including areas of concrete cancer and poor-quality concrete associated with original construction practices. In several locations, defects appeared to be linked to historic workmanship issues, including inadequate concrete compaction and insufficient reinforcement cover, conditions that had contributed to long-term deterioration of the structure.

The challenge for the project team was not only to address the underlying defects but also to establish an appropriate remediation strategy that respected the heritage significance of the stand while creating a foundation for its long-term future use and adaptation

Sheer Force Engineering undertook a detailed site inspection and technical review of the proposed tender documentation on behalf of the City of Boroondara.

Drawing upon our experience in heritage and existing structures, we assessed the proposed repair methodology, reviewed the identified defects and provided independent engineering input to help inform the planned restoration works. Particular attention was given to the condition of the reinforced concrete elements and the suitability of the proposed remediation measures.

As the project progressed into construction, our involvement continued through a separate engagement with Stokes Russo, where we provided temporary works engineering services to facilitate the safe delivery of the restoration works. This unique involvement across both planning and construction phases provided continuity and a deeper understanding of the structure's condition and repair requirements.

The project established the foundation for the long-term preservation and future adaptive reuse of the Michael Tuck Stand.

Through independent peer review of the remediation strategy and ongoing construction support, Sheer Force Engineering helped ensure that deterioration issues were appropriately addressed while preserving the heritage significance of the structure.

The remediation works represent an important first stage in the stand's broader revitalisation, creating a platform for future upgrades and adaptive reuse that will allow this historic community asset to continue serving future generations.