Western Australian Government assumes ownership of Perth's Optus Stadium

The Western Australia Government has officially assumed control of the new Optus Stadium.

Built at a cost of $1.5 billion, the 60,000-capacity venue is due to open on 21st January with a free community event. The venue will host its first sporting event a week later, when Australia takes on England in a one-day international cricket match on 28th January.

Citing an official Optus Stadium spokesperson a report on the PerthNow.com.au website said that the Western Australia Government has taken ownership of the facility three months ahead of schedule.

The move comes after commercial acceptance was granted on 31st December to Westadium, the consortium led by Brookfield Financial and John Laing that both designed and built the Stadium.

While the main stadium building is complete and ready to stage events, other work around the venue is still ongoing, including a pedestrian footbridge over the River Swan that has faced a series of setbacks and is not now expected to open until May.

In November, it was confirmed that the yet-to-be-finished footbridge, connecting the Stadium precinct to East Perth, will be known as the Matagarup Bridge to recognise the cultural significance of the area to the indigenous Whadjuk community.

In addition, work is still ongoing on a ‘mega pub’ that will sit next to the new Stadium. 

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