Subi Oval 'could last 40 years'
Subi Oval 'could last 40 years'
PETER KERR, The West Australian August 18, 2009, 11:07 pm
Subiaco Oval is structurally sound and, with minor maintenance work, could last at least another 40 years, according to a new report.
The claim will strengthen the State Government's resolve to defer a decision on whether to redevelop the stadium until 2011, but frustrate development proponents who say it no longer meets standards expected by sports fans.
The report, to be released on Wednesday, was commissioned by Sports Minister Terry Waldron to gauge the useful life of the stadium and identify repairs that were needed before a decision was made on its future.
It did not consider how the facilities compared with other stadiums in Australia, though the AFL has described Subiaco as the worst.
A number of small areas of concrete in the western stand, built in 1969, have cracked and are a safety hazard because they could fall on to people "at any time", the report said.
The WA Football Commission, which leases the stadium, is working on repairs to the stand.
The report said if general upkeep was maintained, the stand could last for another 40 years. The historic gate 19 also needed urgent repairs.
WAFC chief Wayne Bradshaw said while Subiaco Oval could limp through for the next 40 years, it was too small and lacked modern amenities. The WAFC was close to finalising its submission to the Government for a staged upgrade, Mr Bradshaw said.
The WAFC revived the redevelopment option after the Government poured cold water on the previous government's proposal to build a new stadium next door.
Mr Waldron, who commissioned the report in December, said it put to rest speculation about the stadium's structural integrity and would be valuable when deciding on its future.
Subiaco mayor Heather Henderson said she was confident necessary repairs would be made, but she was keen to see a new arena built.
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I'm impressed by the claim that even though parts of Subi are cracked and "could fall on to people at any time" the ground only needs minor maintenance.
WAFC are already saying "Yes, but it's too small." What was the crowd at the last game?
I hope that knowing Subi can last longer will push the pollies into ear-marking any stadium budget for a rectangular stadium (or failing that, the WACA!)
