Stadium construction moves a step closer

16/4/05
Construction of a world-class multi-purpose indoor entertainment and sports stadium in Perth has moved a step closer with the State Government calling for proposals from the private sector.
Housing and Works Minister Francis Logan said the Mirvac Fini/Royal Agricultural Society consortium and the Perth Arena Consortium had been invited to respond to a Request for Proposal to develop and operate a 12,000-seat, state-of-the-art, multi-purpose stadium on a site within 10km of the Perth GPO.
"When we called for expressions of interest last year, the aim was to attract expertise to a project of considerable scale and the Government is greatly encouraged by the response," Mr Logan said.
"The private sector has demonstrated its confidence in developing and operating a facility such as the multi-purpose stadium, no doubt due to the returns offered by the robust Western Australian economy."
The proponents nominated three sites as being suitable for the proposed stadium.
The Perth Arena Consortium, comprising Multiplex Group, Spotless Group, Burswood International Resort Casino, Cox Group and JVM (Jacobsen Venue Management), nominated sites at the Perth Entertainment Centre in Northbridge and the State Tennis Centre at Burswood.
The Mirvac Fini/RAS submission (which includes sports architects HOK Sport + Venue + Event) nominated an area within the Claremont showgrounds.
"A Request For Proposal is a significant step in a process which culminates in a preferred proponent being selected to develop and operate the stadium," the Minister said.
"The stadium is a key plank in the State Government's commitment to address a shortage of major entertainment and sporting infrastructure. For too long WA has struggled to attract or retain major events because of a fundamental lack of a suitable venue.
"The Gallop Government is determined to improve the quality of services to all Western Australians and this stadium will deliver a venue that can be used and enjoyed by everyone."
The State Government will assist the development of the facility up to a value of $50million.
The specifications brief called for a stadium with a high level of adaptability, capable of hosting large-scale live performances such as international concerts and dance spectaculars.
The venue would need to be suitable to host a diverse range of sporting events such as World BMX, World Netball and Basketball championships and major tennis events, including Davis Cup and Hopman Cup.
The Gallop Government wanted the new stadium completed in time to stage the 2008 Hopman Cup tennis tournament.
Minister's office: 9222 8950