VenuesWest named governance agency for new Perth Stadium

The new Perth Stadium has reached another important milestone with the appointment of VenuesWest as the governance agency.

Announcing the appointment, Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron advised that VenuesWest had been appointed as the governance agency for the stadium and the surrounding Sports Precinct.

Minister Waldron said VenuesWest would ensure the successful transition from construction to operation, explaining that the agency would be responsible for overseeing the governance of the stadium. This will be different from the operator/manager function, which focuses on day-to-day operational matters, and is yet to be chosen by the State Government.

VenuesWest will become part of the new Perth Stadium Steering Committee (nPSSC), overseeing the selection of the stadium's operator, and establish agreements with users, including AFL.

It is already responsible for some of the State's top sporting, recreation and entertainment venues, including the Perth Arena and nib Stadium.

Minister Waldron added "VenuesWest will have a contribution to make to the design and construction of the new Perth Stadium. A significant priority will be to ensure there are clear operating and commercial principles in place for the clubs that will be the tenants of the new Perth Stadium.

"It was appointed to this role because it has the credentials and experience with transitioning venues to operation, including successfully taking over governance of the Perth Arena.

"The appointment represents the best and the most cost-effective option for West Australian taxpayers. In particular, making use of the authority's expertise and avoiding any duplication of costs by establishing another independent agency to govern the new Perth Stadium."

The Minister said VenuesWest would immediately transition relevant staff into the new Perth Stadium project team and the chief executive would become a member of the nPSSC.

He concluded "this appointment means the Government can now commence the discussions and process for the selection of an operator, something that will require careful consideration and may take up to 12-18 months.

"Once appointed, the operator will work closely with government agencies and other stakeholders to secure major sporting and entertainment events to this multi-purpose venue, delivering world-class activity for the enjoyment of the WA community."

Pre-construction site works (PCS) for the stadium and surrounding sports precinct are well advanced, with most of the surcharge placement works scheduled to be completed by December 2013.

All PCS are scheduled to conclude in December 2014 so the main stadium construction phase can begin. Simultaneously, the three short-listed consortia are preparing their proposals for the design, build, partial finance and maintenance elements which are due in mid-December 2013.

Following comprehensive review and evaluation, the successful consortium will be announced in June with construction due to commence in December 2014. The stadium is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2018 AFL season.