AAMI Stadium upgrade to press on despite funding cut

SANFL Executive Commissioner Leigh Whicker says the planned AAMI Stadium upgrade will go ahead, despite the South Australian Government deferring most of its future funding for the project.

In June, the South Australian Government pledged $100 million to help bring the 50,000-capacity stadium up to 'international standard', but the global economic crisis has seen the bulk of that funding put on hold.

Whicker now acknowledges the South Australian  Government's decision, but says the initial, up-front $12.6 million grant would be put to use immediately.

He advised "while we are grateful for the government's immediate assistance, which will help us develop members' and public facilities within the stadium, the SANFL is continuing with our plans to rejuvenate the home of South Australian football and to make match day access easier."

The initial $8 million of works, including first-stage road works and transport upgrades, would be completed by the end of March next year.

Further upgrades, involving the bus terminal and stadium lighting, would be completed by February 2010.

The proposed redevelopment had been costed at $190 million by independent property and construction consultants Rider Levett Bucknall. It would make the venue FIFA compliant, should Australia be successful in any FIFA World Cup bid.

The redevelopment would see 15,000-20,000 spectators brought closer to the playing field as well as an additional 10,000 more people seated undercover. 

20th February 2008 - NEW STADIUM FOR ADELAIDE?

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