World Footy News

Premier Colin Barnett announced yesterday that Perth’s new multi-purpose stadium would be built on the Burswood Peninsula and is scheduled for completion in 2018.  The new Perth Stadium will have the third-biggest capacity in Australia and will be the second largest AFL home stadium.

 It will have a capacity of 60,000 seats with provision for future expansion to 70,000 seats in the style of Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium, with similar views, amenities and comfort.  This capacity range will more than adequately provide for both members and corporate seating and generous general admission and visiting team supporters.

“Burswood Peninsula is unconstrained by surrounding development and Government-owned, which will allow us to achieve the vision of a world-class stadium precinct,” Mr Barnett said.  “The new stadium will be the centrepiece of an emerging eastside precinct at the gateway to Perth and is within walking distance of a range of potential transport options including footbridges, ferries, and trains.

“We want people going to the stadium for an event to catch public transport. The new Perth Stadium will deliver a high quality, state-of-the-art facility all West Australians can be proud of.  “To help us achieve this, there will be an international design competition to attract the best ideas.

“Together with the Perth Waterfront, the City Link, the Perth Cultural Centre, the Riverside Development, and the Perth Arena, a new stadium will enhance Perth’s reputation as a world-class city with a range of entertainment options.  “The Liberal-National Government made the decision to build a new Children’s Hospital before building a new stadium and we have set aside $505million for the new hospital.”

The 2011-12 State Budget allocated a total of $13million over two years for planning of the new stadium.  The final cost will be determined after the design process has been completed. However, the current indicative cost for the stadium is approximately $700million, excluding costs associated with upgrades to transport infrastructure.   The design will not include an underground carpark.

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said a steering committee would be established to oversee the project and will be co-chaired by the executive director of the Office of Strategic Projects Richard Mann and director general of the Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) Ron Alexander.

“The committee’s first task will be to create a master plan for the stadium precinct, including a decision on the exact location and a detailed costing of the project,” Mr Waldron said.  “It will look at details such as possible retractable seating, adequate amenities, the style and size of seats and the allocation of seats to members, corporate, public and supporters of visiting teams.”

The full steering committee members include Richard Mann (Department of Treasury, co-chair), Ron Alexander (DSR, co-chair), David Smith (Department of the Premier and Cabinet), Anne Nolan (Department of Finance), Eric Lumsden (Department of Planning), Reece Waldock (Department of Transport), Barry Sargeant (Burswood Park Board), a representative from the State Solicitors Office and an independent representative.

“The new stadium will be a true multi-purpose facility able to hold not only sporting events such as football and major international rugby, cricket and soccer games, but major cultural events such as concerts as well,” Mr Waldron said.  “We have consulted extensively with a wide range of stakeholders, including sporting organisations, the Town of Victoria Park and the City of Subiaco.”