Media Statements - New major sports stadium for Western Australia

8/2/08

Premier Alan Carpenter has announced that the State Government would build a new $1.1billion multi-purpose outdoor stadium at Kitchener Park in Subiaco.

The new major sport and entertainment stadium would replace the old Subiaco Oval, provide seating for 60,000 people and cater for AFL, rugby, soccer, cricket and major events such as concerts.

The stadium would have the potential to expand to 70,000 seats.

Kitchener Park was chosen ahead of the old East Perth Power Station site, both identified as preferred sites by the Major Stadia Taskforce following a two-year investigation.

Detailing the iconic stadium project at a business lunch today, the Premier also announced that the State Government would build a new half-a-billion dollar world-class museum at the East Perth power station site.

Mr Carpenter also launched the Office of Strategic Projects, which is set to oversee the delivery of the Government’s most complex and long-term projects, including the new stadium and museum.

He said detailed planning for the outdoor stadium would begin immediately and take between two to three years.

The staged construction is expected to commence in 2011 and will see football being played at the new Kitchener Park oval by 2014, when the stadium is two-thirds complete and has an initial capacity of 40,000 seats.

When the stadium is fully completed in time for the 2016 football season, it will have a total capacity of 60,000 seats.

The Premier said the planning phase would include:

the expansion of the Subiaco Redevelopment Authority boundaries;
resumption of land and relocation of affected residents;
land use planning;
upgrading of road and rail infrastructure;
determination of the procurement method;
appointment of construction contractors; and
appointment of and decision on the final design.

Mr Carpenter said the State Government would allocate initial funding in the coming State Budget to commence the planning process of what will be a major public asset.

“The taskforce provided the State Government with a blueprint for what was needed in terms of a new sporting facility and how to go about it,” he said.

“The progress of negotiations with football and the huge public support means we will now be able to deliver an outstanding new facility for the people of WA.”

Sport and Recreation Minister John Kobelke said Western Australians had gathered in Subiaco for major sporting and cultural events for nearly a century and this tradition would continue with the new stadium at Kitchener Park.

“While the old East Perth Power Station site was an exciting option, the State Government considered Kitchener Park to be the better option, given existing services and infrastructure already in the community,” Mr Kobelke said.

“Locating the stadium at Kitchener Park ensures that historic Mueller Park remains unaffected by construction.

“We are getting on with all the work needed to deliver a new stadium and, in addition to the consultation by the Major Stadia Taskforce, the project team will immediately engage in more detailed discussions with Subiaco residents and businesses most affected by the construction process.”

The Minister said the indicative development costs of $1.1billion included the $800million stadium and about $300million in associated infrastructure, property acquisition, escalation, transport infrastructure and other cost allowances.

The new stadium will add to the State Government’s record $25billion capital works program including the Fiona Stanley Hospital, the Albany Entertainment Centre, AK Reserve and Perry Lakes redevelopment, Perth Arena, the WA Museum and Northbridge Performing Arts Centre.

Premier’s office - 9222 9475
Sport and Recreation Minister’s office - 9222 9211