BGC wins $335 million Perth stadium contract
The cost of Perth's new indoor stadium has blown out by another $15 million it was revealed today, bringing the cost of the project to $335 million.
The revelation came as the State Government finally confirmed that BGC would build the Perth Arena indoor stadium, almost a month after The West Australian revealed the Len Buckeridge company had been appointed the preferred tenderer.
Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts also said today that it was uncertain if the new arena would be finished in time to host the 2010 Hopman Cup.
Ms Roberts left today's regional Cabinet meeting in Pinjarra early to make the announcement at the Wellington St site of the new multi-purpose indoor venue, which will be the new home for the Perth-based tennis tournament and will also host concerts and other indoor sports.
"BGC will bring to the project a track record of excellence and value for money in construction, having undertaken many projects for the State Government," Mrs Roberts said.
"The State Government is providing a world class entertainment facility that will house a range of sporting, musical and cultural events.
"WA will soon be in a position to host any act, any artist, any show, like never before."
The Minister also announced today a new design for the Perth Arena carpark that would see it located underneath the complex.
The Perth Arena announcement comes as the State Government comes under pressure to commit to a new 60,000-seat outdoor stadium, after John Langoulant's stadium task force identified Subiaco's Kitchener Park and East Perth as the preferred options last week.
The losing bidder for the Perth Arena contract was the Janet Holmes a Court-chaired John Holland, which was blamed by Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan last week for the latest delays on the $1.61 billion Perth to Mandurah rail line.
