NSW Government urged to delay rebuilding of ANZ Stadium

A NSW Parliamentary inquiry has urged the NSW Government to first complete development work on Sydney's Allianz Stadium before refurbishing ANZ Stadium.

In March, the NSW Government set out plans to redevelop the former Olympic venue (also known as Stadium Australia) instead of demolishing the facility as originally planned.

This came on the back of a decision to demolish and rebuild the Allianz Stadium, as well as a move to rebuild the smaller Parramatta Stadium.

However, the NSW Government attracted heavy criticism for its decision to take on a number of major projects at once. Concerns had been raised at the $1.5 billion combined price-tag for the Allianz Stadium (also known as the Sydney Football Stadium) and ANZ Stadium projects.

The NSW Parliamentary inquiry seemingly agrees, suggesting work at the Allianz Stadium site be completed before redevelopment at ANZ Stadium gets underway.

As reported by AAP, inquiry Chair Robert Brown stated “by this time ... lessons may be learnt during the rollout that could inform the works at Stadium Australia (ANZ Stadium)."

While supporting the impending demolition of Allianz Stadium, Brown was critical of the NSW Government processes, adding "the Government’s failure to prioritise the release of business cases or other quality assurance processes in support of the stadia strategy has understandably led many in the community to question the Government’s motives in prioritising stadia and the claimed benefits that superior stadia will deliver to NSW.

On the evidence received, the committee has found that the significant safety and security concerns at the Sydney Football Stadium require immediate attention and support the case to proceed with the demolition.”