Major new stadium to be built on Perth's Burswood Peninsula

Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett has announced that Perth's long expected new multi-purpose stadium is to be built on the Burswood Peninsula.

Expected to be completed by 2018, the new Perth Stadium will be the third-biggest capacity stadium in Australia and will be the second largest AFL home stadium.

It will have a capacity of 60,000 seats with provision for future expansion to 70,000 seats in the style of Melbourne's Etihad Stadium, with similar views, amenities and comfort. The capacity range is expected to more than adequately provide for both members and corporate seating and generous general admission and visiting team supporters.

Premier Barnett explained "Burswood Peninsula is unconstrained by surrounding development and Government-owned, which will allow us to achieve the vision of a world-class stadium precinct.

"The new stadium will be the centrepiece of an emerging eastside precinct at the gateway to Perth and is within walking distance of a range of potential transport options including footbridges, ferries, and trains.

"We want people going to the stadium for an event to catch public transport. The new Perth Stadium will deliver a high quality, state-of-the-art facility all West Australians can be proud of.

"To help us achieve this, there will be an international design competition to attract the best ideas.

"Together with the Perth Waterfront, the City Link, the Perth Cultural Centre, the Riverside Development, and the Perth Arena, a new stadium will enhance Perth's reputation as a world-class city with a range of entertainment options."

The 2011-12 State Budget allocated a total of $13 million over two years for planning of the new stadium.

The final cost will be determined after the design process has been completed. However, the current indicative cost for the stadium is approximately $700 million, excluding costs associated with upgrades to transport infrastructure.

The design will not include an underground carpark.

Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said a steering committee would be established to oversee the project and will be co-chaired by the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Projects Richard Mann and Director General of the Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) Ron Alexander. Others members of the committee will include David Smith (Department of the Premier and Cabinet), Anne Nolan (Department of Finance), Eric Lumsden (Department of Planning), Reece Waldock (Department of Transport), Barry Sargeant (Burswood Park Board), a representative from the State Solicitors Office and an independent representative.

Minister Waldron added "the committee's first task will be to create a master plan for the stadium precinct, including a decision on the exact location and a detailed costing of the project.

"It will look at details such as possible retractable seating, adequate amenities, the style and size of seats and the allocation of seats to members, corporate, public and supporters of visiting teams.

"The new stadium will be a true multi-purpose facility able to hold not only sporting events such as football and major international rugby, cricket and soccer games, but major cultural events such as concerts as well.

"We have consulted extensively with a wide range of stakeholders, including sporting organisations, the Town of Victoria Park and the City of Subiaco."

Images used for illustrative purposes only.

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