New Perth stadium takes next step forward

The Western Australian Government has released the new Perth Stadium Project Definition Plan (PDP), marking the completion of a comprehensive 12-month planning process and the start of the procurement phase.
The PDP outlines an estimated base cost of $690million for the stadium infrastructure and $70.2 million for the surrounding sports precinct (in June 2011 dollars). An additional $142.4 million has been allowed for escalation through to the project's expected completion in 2018.
Introducing the PDP, Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett said the completion of the PDP, essentially a 'rule book' for the project, meant the State Government could take the next steps towards delivering a spectacular venue to enhance Perth's reputation as a world-class city.
Premier Barnett explained "the new Perth stadium will offer the best sightlines of any facility in the country; 85% roof coverage; and a playing surface that can be reconfigured for rectangular sports.
"It will be this city's premier sporting and entertainment venue."
Coinciding with the launch of the PDP, Western Australian Treasurer Troy Buswell announced that the stadium and its surrounding sports precinct would be delivered under a 'Design-Build-Finance-Maintain' (DBFM) procurement model.
Treasurer Troy Buswell believes that the DBFM model will ensure value for money through a competitive design process, and deliver a well-maintained stadium over its long-term life.
Treasurer Buswell said under the DBFM model, the private sector, in consultation with Government and major stakeholders, would be required to design and build the stadium and contribute finance for the project.
Treasurer Buswell stated "the contractual arrangements will also include a long-term maintenance obligation to ensure the stadium benefits from a strategic investment and maintenance regime.
"Although the stadium will be delivered in partnership with the private sector, it will be owned and controlled by the Government. The State will also be the principal investor in the project and directly fund the majority of the design and construction costs.
"In addition, the competitive process to select the DBFM contractor will require the private sector to independently develop three design solutions. The Government expects the process to attract local and international design expertise as well as input from builders, engineers, maintenance providers, financiers and stadium operators, to develop the best possible stadium and sports precinct for the Burswood Peninsula."
Tenders for pre-construction works are due to be advertised during the next month, with the Government expected to call for expressions of interest for the main construction contract by the end of the year.
A stadium operator will be appointed by the State at a later date under a separate process.
Doubt over the future of the Stadium has emerged in recent weeks with Western Australian
Opposition Leader Mark McGowan saying that a future Labor government would ask the owners of the Burswood casino to contribute to the cost of the project.
McGowan has suggested that unless Crown agreed to contribute about $500 million to the project Labor would scrap plans for a new stadium and focus on rebuilding Subiaco Oval.

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