The very first stadium project Didi Heckl was involved in was iconic Nelson Bay Stadium in 2009 seating 48,000 spectators. A big challenge of this project was safely erecting the steel components safely via rope access. A team of 26 was required to install the steel, membrane and plumbing.

Local weather conditions had to be taken into consideration with this project as it’s not unusual to experience harsh onshore winds in this area. The triangulated, protective aluminium cladding, ensures spectators are protected from the sun and winds with all technical aspects of the facility integrated into the roof. One very special aspect of the project was the inclusion of African culture. Local African craftsmen were engaged to enhance the façade with a 700m-wide exhibition of traditional and modern African culture.