State Government announces stage one of new rectangular stadium

A key step in the development of Perth's new rectangular stadium has been unveiled with the announcement of the scope of works for stage one of the project.

The first stage, costing $88million, will see the development of a permanent Eastern Stand, to include:

·           approximately 10,000 seats

·           80 per cent roof coverage

·           food and beverage outlets

·           new toilet facilities

·           more than 50 wheelchair spaces, located to the rear of the lower seating bowl.

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said while the focus of stage one would be the provision of seats and amenities for general spectators, he had sought to incorporate some early improvement to the ground's corporate facilities.

"I have instructed our project team to explore some level of improvement of corporate amenity, concurrent with the first stage redevelopment, as long as it is consistent with the master plan," Mr Waldron said.

The Minister said extra funding had been secured to ensure much-needed work on the pitch and lighting was included in the scope of works.

Construction of the new facility will take about 16 months, with building anticipated to begin in 2012.

"This is just the first step in ensuring Western Australia has the right infrastructure to watch elite-level rectangular sporting competition like rugby union, soccer and rugby league," Mr Waldron said.

The State Government announced in July the adoption of a master plan for the Perth Oval site (nib Stadium), which called for a 25,000-seat rectangular stadium to be delivered in stages.