Perth's new stadium master plan revealed

The Western Australian Government has released details of the master plan for the new Perth stadium and its surrounding sport and recreation precinct.
WA Premier Colin Barnett provided a briefing on the key elements of the master plan that will deliver an integrated Burswood precinct, including a new pedestrian bridge to deliver fans from East Perth directly to the heart of the new stadium.
Premier Barnett explained "the Burswood Peninsula location is a unique site that allows for the construction of the best stadium in Australia, along with an expansive sports and entertainment precinct for all West Australians."
In developing the master plan for the Burswood sports precinct, the following key principles were reflected:
Integrating land use and transport planning;
Design flexibility, allowing for future major events at the new stadium;
Designing the Stadium as a multi-purpose venue;
Enhanching Perth as a 'river city'.
Western Australia Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said in order to design a stadium which catered for the fans first, the master planning process had included input from a wide range of stakeholders, including the sporting bodies that would use the stadium.
Minister Waldron stated that "with careful planning, the State Government is ensuring the delivery of a world-class stadium in a sports precinct, which will provide sport and recreational opportunities for the whole year, not just on major event days at the venue."
The master plan includes a strategy to maximise public transport at major events, with a target of more than 80% of fans using public transport.
Minister Waldron added "we are building on the 'fan first' philosophy with a Public Transport Strategy that will ensure the efficient transport of 60,000 fans to and from the stadium."
Senior AFL figures are also impressed with planning for the new stadium, with AFL Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick telling WA Today that having "been involved in quite a few similar projects over the last couple of years", referring to the Adelaide Oval and the Metricon and Skoda Stadiums, "this project looks like being one of the most outstanding we've seen."
The comments come after Premier Barnett met with the AFL, the West Coast Eagles, Fremanlte Dockers and West Australian Football Commission for a briefing on the details of the plans.
AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou thanked Premier Barnett and West Australian taxpayers for the "outstanding gesture", adding that it will be "a state of the art stadium that will be a completely new experience.
"This is a significant amount of money but it will be worthwhile ... it's a huge commitment and it's going to leave a magnificent legacy in this State."
Demetriou said the AFL will be contributing to the development, but wouldn't provide details of the amount.
Stadium planning is on track for pre-construction site works to start by mid-2013, with an operating stadium ready for the start of the 2018 football season.

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