Allianz Stadium demolition to begin two months before NSW election

The NSW Government has announced that it has awarded a contract for the demolition of Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, to commence in January 2019, two months before the scheduled NSW election.

The NSW Government today advised that planning approval has been given for work to begin on the controversial $730 million project, with work to start after the cricket Test against India at the adjacent Sydney Cricket Ground.

NSW Sports Minister Stuart Ayres said Lendlease would be preparing the site for demolition, advising “we said last November that we would rebuild this stadium because this stadium that is standing behind me has run its course, it is no longer fit for purpose.

"So let's get this thing done, people in NSW deserve better sporting infrastructure and that's exactly what this Government's delivering."

Once demolition is complete, further approval is needed for the construction of the new 45,000-seat venue.

With the opposition Labor party stressing that it will not provide funding earmarked for the redevelopment of Sydney’s Allianz and ANZ Stadiums if elected into Government in March, Minister Ayres added "I think to make this very clear, we are expecting this stadium to start construction in early January and to be open to fans in January 2022.”

NSW Labor Leader Michael Daley said the NSW Government was trying to lock a potential Labor Government into the project but the party would not be "bullied".

He advised "I will put a stadium there but the (Sydney Cricket and Sportsground) Trust or whoever ends up building it will come to me, if I am the Premier, and they will get a loan and they will have to pay it back," he said.

Daley added “the taxpayers of NSW will not foot the bill for (the venue)."

The SCG Trust issued a statement to clarify it is funding new recreational facilities for members including a pool, gym, cafe and other facilities on the site from a long-term loan facility.

The statement advised "this falls outside of the $729 million budgeted by the NSW Government.”

Images: The planned design for the new Sydney Football Stadium (top) and the Allianz Stadium hosts A-League action (below).