W.A to build new world-class stadium
Austadiums • Monday 12th September 2005
Perth's proposed new multi-purpose indoor stadium will be built, funded and owned by the State Government at an estimated cost of $160million.
Premier Geoff Gallop said work would begin immediately on finding an architect to design the state-of-the-art stadium, which would have a concert capacity of about 14,000 people.
The stadium would have a retractable roof, to ensure the future of the Hopman Cup in Perth, with the preferred site for the facility being the Northbridge Link on Wellington Street.
Dr Gallop said the State Government had decided to design and build the new facility itself after an unsuccessful bid to involve the private sector in the development of the project.
"The proposals put forward by the private sector failed to meet all of the design and financial criteria," he said.
"Therefore, the State will fully fund construction of the facility and in return will assume the greater control of the design and construction process to ensure the needs of both industry and the State are met."
The Premier said the Northbridge Link site was the Government's preferred option because it had the support of council, planners, the community and the entertainment, tourism and sporting sectors. It would also help revitalise the area.
"We are open to feasible alternatives only if they are suitable in respect to cost, location and do not lead to time delays," Dr Gallop said.
Housing and Works Minister Francis Logan said preliminary estimates had indicated that the cost of the project would be about $160million.
Mr Logan said advertisements would be placed in State and national newspapers this week, announcing a design competition from which a team of architects would be chosen. The successful architect would be appointed by November.
"We expect construction to begin about October next year and take about two years to complete," the Minister said.
"This has extended the construction timetable beyond what we originally envisaged - but the Government wants to get it right.
"The entertainment industry has indicated this will not be a major problem, especially since the end result will be a stadium of which we can all be proud."
Dr Gallop said the new facility would deliver widespread economic benefits to the State.
"The ability to attract world-class performers and international sporting events will create opportunities for increased tourism activities and greater exposure for WA, both nationally and internationally," he said.
"The new stadium will also deliver more jobs for Western Australians. During construction it will provide employment for an estimated 250 people, and when in operation will employ 25 full-time and 120 casual employees."
The Premier also noted that significant employment opportunities would be created in associated industries.
"Western Australian companies will be engaged to support the operation of the new venue - from food and beverage suppliers to event managers and technical personnel," he said.
The world-class facility will also incorporate a retractable roof to allow the Hopman Cup to continue in Perth, and is expected to include a state-of-the-art technology to allow maximum flexibility, an adaptable performance floor, and VIP areas.
The new facility will be completed in time for the 2009 Hopman Cup.
Premier Geoff Gallop said work would begin immediately on finding an architect to design the state-of-the-art stadium, which would have a concert capacity of about 14,000 people.
The stadium would have a retractable roof, to ensure the future of the Hopman Cup in Perth, with the preferred site for the facility being the Northbridge Link on Wellington Street.
Dr Gallop said the State Government had decided to design and build the new facility itself after an unsuccessful bid to involve the private sector in the development of the project.
"The proposals put forward by the private sector failed to meet all of the design and financial criteria," he said.
"Therefore, the State will fully fund construction of the facility and in return will assume the greater control of the design and construction process to ensure the needs of both industry and the State are met."
The Premier said the Northbridge Link site was the Government's preferred option because it had the support of council, planners, the community and the entertainment, tourism and sporting sectors. It would also help revitalise the area.
"We are open to feasible alternatives only if they are suitable in respect to cost, location and do not lead to time delays," Dr Gallop said.
Housing and Works Minister Francis Logan said preliminary estimates had indicated that the cost of the project would be about $160million.
Mr Logan said advertisements would be placed in State and national newspapers this week, announcing a design competition from which a team of architects would be chosen. The successful architect would be appointed by November.
"We expect construction to begin about October next year and take about two years to complete," the Minister said.
"This has extended the construction timetable beyond what we originally envisaged - but the Government wants to get it right.
"The entertainment industry has indicated this will not be a major problem, especially since the end result will be a stadium of which we can all be proud."
Dr Gallop said the new facility would deliver widespread economic benefits to the State.
"The ability to attract world-class performers and international sporting events will create opportunities for increased tourism activities and greater exposure for WA, both nationally and internationally," he said.
"The new stadium will also deliver more jobs for Western Australians. During construction it will provide employment for an estimated 250 people, and when in operation will employ 25 full-time and 120 casual employees."
The Premier also noted that significant employment opportunities would be created in associated industries.
"Western Australian companies will be engaged to support the operation of the new venue - from food and beverage suppliers to event managers and technical personnel," he said.
The world-class facility will also incorporate a retractable roof to allow the Hopman Cup to continue in Perth, and is expected to include a state-of-the-art technology to allow maximum flexibility, an adaptable performance floor, and VIP areas.
The new facility will be completed in time for the 2009 Hopman Cup.
