The Leeton Shire Council sought to replace the existing Leeton Showground Grandstand that was in poor condition, and found to be structurally unsafe.
The new Leeton Showground Grandstand isa modern, architecturally designed facility that serves as a hub for various community and sporting activities. It features a 203-seat spectator area, along with male and female team change rooms, two referee change rooms, a ground-floor commercial kitchen and canteen, and a first-floor function space with disability access lift.
Orion SKCE was engaged by the Leeton Shire Council to deliver the structural design and documentation fora new two-story, architecturally designed grandstand with amenities at Leeton Showgrounds. The design incorporated a reinforced concrete blockwork base supporting a superstructure with cantilevered roof trusses.
The brief required a robust, low-maintenance structure to serve as a regional sporting and events hub, incorporating a range of amenities under a large spectator seating area. The design needed to integrate with accessibility upgrades, existing site levels, and architectural specifications for clear sightlines and unobstructed views.
The Leeton Showground Grandstand project included the structural engineering design of the foundations, suspended slabs, reinforced concrete blockwork and steel framing to accommodate change rooms, function room and seating. With a large steel truss cantilever roof over the tiered seating area for the grandstand.
Key Design Components were:
· Large steel truss cantilever roof designed for high wind uplift loads and long spans without mid supports
· Structural steel framing supporting upper-tier seating and roof canopy
· Coordination of lift shaft, stair cores, and concrete slab penetrations to maintain accessibility compliance
· Crowd and grandstand loads for tiered seating and balustrade
· Fire rating to adjacent buildings
· Collaboration with architects and builders to deliver a simple, economical framing system that could be fabricated locally
The structure was designed with longevity, functionality, and ease of construction in mind while accommodating the constraint of sourcing building supplies locally.
Concrete blockwork and slab systems formed a robust base structure for change rooms and services, designed to withstand soil pressure and crowd live loads. Tiered seating and the upper level slab were designed for spectator live loads in accordance with AS/NZS 1170.1). Detailed structural design ensured vibration comfort and effective load transfer into the supporting lower level blockwork walls. The roof structure was designed as a cantilevered truss system projecting over the seating area, providing full weather protection while maintaining minimal visual obstruction.
The connection detailing was simplified to suit local fabrication capabilities, ensuring efficient steelwork erection and minimal site welding.
The client benefitted from SKCE’s extensive understanding of the Riverina region, and alignment with the community’s values. The result was a cost effective and durable structure tailored to community-scale projects. The Leeton showground is a central venue in the town that hosts the Leeton Agricultural Show, Leeton-Whitton Football Netball Club and Leeton Harness Racing. The new grandstand design supports these and other community events by providing improved facilities for spectators, teams, and events.
Simplified detailing enabled local fabrication and rapid assembly, supporting regional trades and resources. The hybrid steel-and-concrete system provided both strength and architectural flexibility, while the cantilevered roof created clear sightlines and reduced visual clutter, enhancing the spectator experience.
Engineering Design
Leeton Showgrounds Grandstand
The Leeton Showground Grandstand project revitalised one of the region’s most iconic community venues. The new design provided a modern, accessible, and multi-use spectator facility for local sport and events. Orion SKCE provided the full structural engineering design, delivering a durable and cost-effective solution incorporating reinforced concrete, steel framing, and an architectural cantilevered roof system. The new grandstand provides seating for over 200 spectators, along with change rooms, canteen, and a first-floor function area with lift access.

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