The State Government will make up to $50 million available for a proposed indoor sports and entertainment stadium, despite its expression of interest document making it clear the Government wants to limit its financial contribution.
The stadium will be Western Australia’s second major Public Private Partnership (PPP), following the Central Courts Complex, and the invitation for EOIs closes in October 2004.
The stadium will be built under the Government’s PPP policy, managed and operated by a private sector operator without ongoing assistance from the State.
Premier Geoff Gallop said the proposed state-of-the-art stadium would be one of the most important projects undertaken in Perth and would significantly impact on the State’s entertainment and sporting event growth.
Major requirements of the stadium include the capacity to seat a minimum of 12,000, proximity to public transport, and a location within 10 kilometres of the CBD.
The stadium should facilitate the retention of the Hopman Cup in Perth and also be able to hold world BMX, basketball, table tennis and netball championships.
A short list approved by the State will be invited in March 2005 to develop full and formal submissions, with submissions expected by July 2005. After this process it is proposed that two applicants be selected to engage in negotiations.
No preferred sites are mentioned in the document, but the State will consider providing a long-term lease over Crown land.
The State Government’s original agreement with Multiplex to build the stadium was terminated in June 2001.
However, it is believed Multiplex will apply to build the new sports stadium on a redeveloped Entertainment Centre site, which it has an option to purchase from the Seven Network for $25 million.
