ACT Government commits to future Canberra stadium at AIS campus

The ACT Government and the Australian Sports Commission have today signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure continued support for the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) precinct with plans for a new 30,000-seat Canberra stadium on the campus.

Ending proposals for a new stadium in central Canberra, a study will now be carried out to determine whether a new venue should be built in the suburb of Bruce or whether the existing GIO Stadium should be renovated.

Releasing details of its long-term infrastructure vision for the entertainment, arts and sport sectors today, the ACT Government’s plan includes a schedule to build, replace or improve dozens of venues over the next 15 years including a 7,500-seat concert hall in the city, a large concert pavilion and convention centre in Civic, an expansion of the Canberra Theatre Centre, a new city pool to replace the ageing Canberra Olympic Pool and redevelopments of Exhibition Park and other sites across the ACT.

The signing of the MoU and commitment to a new or redeveloped stadium at the AIS campus is seen as key to keep the Sports Commission’s base in the city with the Federal Government considering its future. 

Having previously backed a city centre stadium, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr conceded that studies had shown that it would not work financially.

Instead, a study will be conducted to inform the way forward for the 25,000 GIO Stadium, with options to include a new stadium on a different site within the AIS precinct that would enable the current stadium to operate while the new stadium is being built.

The second option would see the demolition of GIO Stadium and the building of a new stadium on the existing site, while the third option would focus on staged, significant upgrades to the existing stadium.

Timeframes for the delivery of stadium improvements will depend on the option chosen, with ACT Government notingd that a new stadium on a different site may take longer due to the likely need to vary the National Capital Plan.

The ACT Government’s infrastructure vision also includes plans for a new, indoor live music concert and exhibition venue. The proposed venue would hold at least 7,500 people and would help attract more touring acts, performers, exhibitions and events to Canberra.

Explaining the plan, Chief Minister Barr said the stadium work is part of the ACT Government’s plan “to realise our ambition for Canberra to be recognised as Australia’s emerging cultural, arts and entertainment hub.

“This includes plans for rectangular stadium renewal in a revitalised AIS precinct and improvements at Manuka Oval.”

Following the stadium study, and the completion of further precinct planning work, the ACT Government will seek to partner with the Australian Government in the delivery phase.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
The MOU will enable the ASC and the ACT Government to actively engage in discussions and explore mutually beneficial opportunities within the AIS precinct as outlined in the ACT Government’s Entertainment, Arts & Sports Infrastructure Plan Update.

The AIS has been a nationally significant institution for the past 40 years and is an important and iconic symbol of Australia’s commitment to sport and the power of sport to unite and inspire the nation.

Commenting on the MoU, ASC Chief Executive, Kieren Perkins stated “this is an important step and aligns with the discussions the ASC is having with the Australian Government regarding the revitalisation of the high performance sport facilities at the AIS precinct.

“The AIS has a deep-seated value to the Canberra community, and we look forward to engaging in discussions with the ACT Government to ensure it is a vibrant precinct available for sport, entertainment, and community use.”

As owners of the GIO Stadium, the ASC will be an active and collaborative partner in the ACT Government-commissioned Review process and will be involved in the development of the terms of reference.

Images: ASC Chief Executive Kieren Perkins, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA and ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry MLA.