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Taskforce unveils new stadium plans
23rd May 2007, 9:45 WST
http://thewest.com.au/default.aspx?M...ontentID=29475
An artist's impression of Perth's new $850 million outdoor stadium
Plans for a multi-purpose 60,000-seat stadium with swinging lower tiers capable of changing pitch configuration were unveiled by the State Government’s stadium task force today.
Task force chief John Langoulant officially handed over a two-volume report to Sport and Recreation Minister John Kobelke this morning and declared it would be “a great missed opportunity” if the sporting codes and Government didn’t embrace the plan.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to get this right,” he said.
Mr Langoulant said four sites for the new stadium were considered in the long-awaited report – Kitchener Park in Subiaco, East Perth, Burswood or a redeveloped Subiaco Oval.
Though the final decision was up to the Government, the taskforce’s equal preferred options were Kitchener Park or East Perth.
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An artist's impression of the new outdoor stadium at the East Perth location
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An artist's impression of the new outdoor stadium at the Kitchener Park location
The report also recommended the new stadium be built in the next four to eight years.
Mr Langoulant said the WA Football Commission’s proposal for a $400 million redevelopment of Subiaco Oval for a 55,000-seat stadium was a "patch-up job" and would still leave Perth in need of a separate rectangular stadium.
He said the new stadium, which could be increased to 70,000-seat capacity in the future, would be capable of attracting and hosting major Socceroos internationals and Bledisloe Cup rugby union fixtures, as well as major entertainment events.
The new stadium configured for rugby and soccer matches
The completion costs of the stadium if built at Kitchener Park would be $849 million, a similar figure to the East Perth proposal - costed at $821 million.
Burswood offered many attractions but would be more expensive at $1.147 billion, there were question marks over the soil at the site and it had inferior transport options.
As the overseers of the biggest sport in Perth, WAFC backing is crucial if the new stadium is to go ahead, but there is a big question mark over whether that support will be offered.
The new stadium configured for AFL football matches
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The new stadium decked out in Fremantle Dockers or West Coast Eagles colours
A key recommendation of the report was that there should be no stadium built at all unless it was under the direct control of a Government-appointed trust or authority.
That would require the WAFC to relinquish control over the ground on which its sport is played.
It would also mean a move from football’s spiritual home, Subiaco Oval.
Mr Langoulant said he believed football would come to the party.
“This is just such a great chance. I believe that the Football Commission will come on board,” he said.
“Football is going to be the biggest beneficiary by far.”
Another big question is whether the Government will even approve construction of new stadium, which would be 90 per cent built with State funds with the possibility of a contribution from the Commonwealth.
“Well, clearly I would be very disappointed (if the Government decided to merely patch up Subiaco Oval),” he said.
“It would be a great missed opportunity.
“We have just got to take that first step. We have got to be bold enough.
“What we ought to do more of in this city is to build iconic buildings and celebrate them.”
The report also recommended that Members Equity Stadium be retained as Perth’s rectangular stadium with some minor improvements.
Mr Langoulant said it was impossible to assess a plan from the WACA to redevelop that ground because they provided no planning or financial details.
The report instead recommended that the WACA sell the loss-making ground and fund a domestic cricket venue with the proceeds from the sale of the land.
The new stadium configured for cricket matches
Earlier, Mr Kobelke welcomed the arrival of the report and thanked the taskforce for its thorough work.
“The degree of planning that’s gone into this is absolutely essential if we are to build a world-class stadium in WA,” he said.
DANIEL EMERSON
Full Report available from the Major Stadia Taskforce here: http://www.majorstadiataskforce.com.....aspx?MenuID=7
Last edited by Burgs; 23-05-07 at 16:24.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
The Weekly TWF chat will spend a great deal of time discussing the outcome of the report.
See you in chat tonight. straight after the State of Mungo finishes - sorry if I am late - TLH your in charge.
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
For those interested, you can download the report from HERE
Dear Lord, if you give us back Johnny Cash, we'll give you Justin Bieber.
A few pics
Kitchener Park
East Perth
Burswood
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Dear Lord, if you give us back Johnny Cash, we'll give you Justin Bieber.
If we're not going to get a specially designated rectangular stadium for rugby, the retractable seats option looks pretty good and it looks like you're pretty close to the play if you're on the lower levels.
Just looking through the executive summary now....but one jumped out at me
"WCE & FFC will have priority access rights during the AFL season"
Last edited by travelling_gerry; 23-05-07 at 17:03.
I don;t see them do the retract thing for Super 14 games - justs test matches which we may get...
I like the Burswood concept - some mentioned the other day how much sense it made to put them all near each other so you can share car park spaces. Add in a dedicated automated shuttle railway line from the nearest station to the 'precinct' to solve many public transport issues and it may work![]()
Anyone got a spare cool $1,000,000,000 ?
Dear Lord, if you give us back Johnny Cash, we'll give you Justin Bieber.
I agree Coach.....especially if an AFL game is on the next day
Very true, retractable does not mean a 5 minute job.
Just happy to be here
Can the stadium be decked out in Force colours?
Every forwards dream is to become a back...
i want a rugby stadiumide like to see afl fans watch there game 60m away from the sideline. its like being at tompkins park and instead of being right where the action is..... go into the water and try and watch. *shakes fist*
Good point shaun....it must be colour changing roofOriginally Posted by Shaun
If they ever moved the retractrable seating for a Super game ( i doubt it ).
All punters will be sitting out in the elements wouldnt they unless we have a retractable roof, ie sunburn or wet.?
the punters friend..... stick with me and you will be wearing
night games TLH....unless we keep Daylight savings
Looks worse than ever - guessing at least 20 metres to the first punters then God knows what to the rest - also whoever drew it never went to a rugby match in their life - because they have assumed that the oval hoardings are acceptable - which they aren't
Folks we need to hang out for the rectangular stadium
Also concerned about the tone of RugbyWA on the ABC news tonight - specifically this bit about it being acceptable for Bledisloe games - it should be emphasized that this may be a possibility in the future but is unlikely unless the local S14 team gets good crowds and the crowds are unlikely to grow in the current squatting arrangement of an oval shaped WAFL orientated/ controlled ground.
Sorry to be so anti of the mark - but I'm shortsighted and 20/30 metres of the action is ok if you have paid for cheaper seats but not for top priced seats and 50/70 metres away wouldn't entice me to use free/cheap seats either
61 years between Grand SlamsWas the wait worth it - Ya betta baby