9/11/05
A consortium of leading architects has been awarded the contract to design Perth’s new world-class multi-purpose indoor entertainment and sports stadium.
The decision follows a comprehensive two-stage selection process by an evaluation panel that included Government Architect, Professor Geoffrey London.
Housing and Works Minister Francis Logan said the successful consortium comprised Melbourne-based Ashton Raggatt McDougall (ARM), the American firm RTKL and local firm Cameron Chisholm and Nicol (CCN).
Mr Logan said the successful consortium was chosen because it involved individual firms with extensive experience, significant design awards, substantial resources and a proven ability to fast-track projects to completion within a specified time frame.
ARM had demonstrated a capacity to design innovative public buildings, including the National Museum of Australia in Canberra and the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.
RTKL’s international consultant Ron Turner had worldwide experience in entertainment arena design.
Mr Turner designed the Staples Center in California, the home stadium for the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers, the AFL’s Los Angeles Avengers and the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings. It was also the venue of the 2000 Democratic National Convention, the 2002 US Figure Skating Championship and four Grammy Awards shows.
The consultant was also responsible for the 40,000-seat Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, the 67,000-seat Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati in Ohio, the 20,000-seat multi-purpose Gund Arena in Cleveland in Ohio and the 47,000-seat Safeco Field (including a retractable roof) in Seattle, Washington.
“Mr Turner’s knowledge and expertise in this area will make him a valuable asset for a project of such magnitude,” Mr Logan said.
Nine consortiums bid for the design contract and four proponents were short-listed.
The Minister said he was impressed with the level of effort and commitment shown by all short-listed consortiums.
He said the winning consortium, recognised for unique design solutions, was capable of delivering a design of national standing as specified by the State Government and would draw on a considerable body of knowledge in the development of an appropriate urban strategy for the site.
Preliminary design work would begin immediately on the new 14,000-seat stadium, which was set to include state-of-the-art technology to allow maximum flexibility for events, an adaptable performance floor and corporate areas.
“The new stadium will be built, fully funded and wholly-owned by Western Australians,” the Minister said.
“Based on similar venues in the Eastern States, the cost is expected to be in the order of $160million.”
Mr Logan said the project would be managed by the Department of Housing and Works, to oversee the design and construction processes and to ensure the requirements of industry and the State were met. The Northbridge Link site was still the Government's preferred option.
“The ability to attract world-class performers and international sporting events was a prerequisite to creating opportunities for increased tourism activities and greater exposure for WA on the national and international stages,” the Minister said.
”The new stadium will provide WA companies with opportunities to be engaged in the operation of the new venue, from food and beverage suppliers to event managers and technical personnel.
“This is a project which is certain to help revitalise the area, as many stadium patrons will remain in Perth for after-hours dining and refreshment.”
The State Government has opted for a retractable roof, thus giving the organisers of the Hopman Cup every reason to continue staging the tournament in Perth.
Work on the new facility will commence next year, with the project scheduled for completion before the 2009 Hopman Cup.
Minister's office - 9222 8950
