28/05/07
Western Australian construction company BGC has won the contract to build the iconic world-class Perth Arena.
Announcing the successful tenderer today, Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts said the decision was reached following a thorough selection process.
"BGC will bring to the project a track record of excellence and value for money in construction, having undertaken many projects for the State Government," Mrs Roberts said.
"The State Government is providing a world class entertainment facility that will house a range of sporting, musical and cultural events.
"WA will soon be in a position to host any act, any artist, any show, like never before."
The Minister also announced today a new design for the Perth Arena carpark that would see it located underneath the complex.
"The carpark will have a capacity to at least equal the 680 bays of the original design, which was to be built adjacent to Perth Arena, over the Perth-Fremantle railway line," Mrs Roberts said.
"Once Perth Arena is in use, the traffic flow in and out of the complex will be the same when the Perth Arena site was an open-air carpark."
The Minister said there would be no change to the seating capacity of Perth Arena, or to the scope of the construction of the complex.
"Perth Arena will provide a minimum of 12,000 seats for sporting events and up to 14,000 for concerts, as well as in excess of 500 corporate seats, an upmarket club lounge and an operable roof. This ensures that Western Australia will attract world-class performers and international sporting events," she said.
"This building will represent the 'cutting edge' in arena architecture, while retaining the iconic look and design of the original."
Mrs Roberts said successful negotiations between the State Government and BGC had resulted in the Perth Arena and underground carpark complex costing $335million.
"The successful carpark design represents the most economical option for Government without compromising the iconic Perth Arena and forecourt, as well as providing maximum carpark capacity," the Minister said.
"While we are working towards a completion date in late 2009, the reality of the construction market means we are taking contingency steps to prepare for a later completion date of early 2010.
"EventsCorp are negotiating with Burswood regarding the staging of the 2009-10 Hopman Cup at the Burswood Dome."
Mrs Roberts said Perth Arena was a major part of the State Government's 'Building WA' record capital works program, with benefits to flow from these projects to the people of Western Australia for years to come.
"Last week I joined the Minister for Health in announcing the successful architect for the $1.1billion Fiona Stanley Hospital.
"The State Government is making decisions for the future with a capital works program valued in excess of $3.5billion in the 2007-08 financial year," Mrs Roberts said.
Minister's office - 9213 6600
