Subiaco Oval 'could last 40 years'

Subiaco Oval is structurally sound and, with minor maintenance work, could last at least another 40 years, according to a report by structural engineers GHD Pty Ltd.
The claim will strengthen the Western Australian Government's resolve to defer a decision on whether to redevelop the stadium until 2011, but frustrate development proponents who say it no longer meets standards expected by sports fans.
The report was commissioned by Sports Minister Terry Waldron to gauge the useful life of the stadium and identify repairs that were needed before a decision was made on its future.
It did not consider how the facilities compared with other stadiums in Australia, though the AFL has described Subiaco as the worst.
A number of small areas of concrete in the western stand, built in 1969, have cracked and are a safety hazard because they could fall on to people "at any time", the report said. However, the WA Football Commission, which leases the stadium, is working on repairs to the stand.
WAFC Chief Executive Wayne Bradshaw said while Subiaco Oval could limp through for the next 40 years, it was too small and lacked modern amenities. The WAFC was close to finalising its submission to the Government for a staged upgrade, Bradshaw added.
The WAFC have advanced the redevelopment option after the current WA Government ditched the previous government's proposal to build a new stadium next door.
Minister Waldron, who commissioned the report in December, said it put to rest speculation about the stadium's structural integrity and would be valuable when deciding on its future.

http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/index.php?id=3290