AUSTRALIA - Stadium and Arena Development News

[Wezza]

Bracks hopes 50,000-seat lure will net Victory
Peter Ker
March 5, 2007

THE foundations of Melbourne's new rectangular stadium will be designed to support a future expansion to at least 50,000 seats — a concession the Bracks Government hopes will clinch a deal with the Victory Soccer Club.

The State Government yesterday confirmed the new stadium would be expanded beyond its initial maximum of 25,000 seats, with a guaranteed rise to at least 27,750 seats, and a promise to accommodate 31,500 if the reluctant Victory agrees to commit to the project.

But in a significant development, the stadium's footings and foundations will be altered to cater for 50,000 or more seats. The two longer sides of the Swan Street stadium will be built to allow such an expansion should it be desired.

Described as "future proofing", the safeguard was not in the plans released in April last year, and was only added in recent months as Victory's huge crowds sparked concerns the new stadium would be too small.

Major Projects Minister Theo Theophanous yesterday confirmed the changes, which will lift the stadium cost from about $190 million to $256 million.

"We will be … making sure that the foundations are strong enough to potentially expand the stadium at a later date," he said.

"It could go to 50,000, a future government could make that decision using the existing foundations we are putting in."

The concession comes despite the Bracks Government resisting the urging of the soccer club to build a stadium with initial seating for 40,000 or 50,000 fans.

The Victory declined to comment yesterday, and is expected to make a statement today about the changes.

The Football Federation of Australia yesterday urged the Victory to accept the Government offer.

Mr Theophanous claimed the club was content with a stadium of 31,500, and that size was no longer a factor in the impasse.

He said the dispute was now a commercial matter, with the Victory seeking a cheaper tenancy deal at the new stadium — and using as leverage an alternative "bargain basement" offer to relocate permanently to Telstra Dome.

Premier Steve Bracks said he was "reasonably confident" the Victory would sign on now there was an offer to expand to 31,500.

"Why wouldn't they come on board? This makes it bigger and better," Mr Bracks said.

The extra seats promised yesterday would not significantly alter the space-age design of the stadium, and Mr Theophanous rejected suggestions the seats would have restricted views of the playing arena.

He said half of the extra 4000 seats would be "found around the stadium", while the remainder would be added behind the goals for soccer games, but removed for rugby, which needs more space behind the try line.

Work on the stadium will start this year. It is due to be ready for use in late 2009 or early 2010.

The stadium will also be the home for rugby league team Melbourne Storm.

Originally Posted by Benjuk

I thought they were saying that the capacity would be 28500, but 3000 extra seats would be added if Victory signed up. Not removable seats, just a case of paying a bit more to build a bit bigger stadium IF the football club signs up.

The bit i marked in bold seems to suggest there will be removable seating for the in goal areas for rugby league?

[Benjuk]

Originally Posted by Wezza

The bit i marked in bold seems to suggest there will be removable seating for the in goal areas for rugby league?

Yup, I hadn't read that until after I made my post. Not the first time, and certainly won't be the last time, that I've charged in without getting all the facts. You'll have to excuse me, I'm English, white, male, working class and only just beginning to realise that I'm no longer young. A very dangerous combination.

I now have visions of a school gym type set up with five rows of seats that pull out from the raised front wall of the stadium ends.

[Walbanger]

Future expansion for the Victory, this is all very interesting but what happens when Carlton get their act together?
All the italian fans will go back to the AFL , just kiddy I think it's great.
I just hope that once Perth sorts out its stadium mess, the once powerful Glory will rise again and do better than -10 000 a game.
I'm not a soccer fan but I like Aussie league to be healthy so I'd love to see solid attendences across the board.

It would be great in future if Australia's large teams all averaged over 30 000.
Melboure at the new olympic park
Brisbane at Suncorp (don't thin Ballymore holds 30 000)
Sydney at SFS
and Perth at either a new 35 000 seater in Burswood or the redeveloped Members Equity stadium

[Walbanger]

Future expansion for the Victory, this is all very interesting but what happens when Carlton get their act together?
All the italian fans will go back to the AFL , just kiddy I think it's great.
I just hope that once Perth sorts out its stadium mess, the once powerful Glory will rise again and do better than -10 000 a game.
I'm not a soccer fan but I like Aussie league to be healthy so I'd love to see solid attendences across the board.

It would be great in future if Australia's large teams all averaged over 30 000.
Melboure at the new olympic park
Brisbane at Suncorp (don't thin Ballymore holds 30 000)
Sydney at SFS
and Perth at either a new 35 000 seater in Burswood or the redeveloped Members Equity stadium which is in the planning.

God knows what adelaide are up to

[Wezza]

Originally Posted by Benjuk

Yup, I hadn't read that until after I made my post. Not the first time, and certainly won't be the last time, that I've charged in without getting all the facts. You'll have to excuse me, I'm English, white, male, working class and only just beginning to realise that I'm no longer young. A very dangerous combination.

I now have visions of a school gym type set up with five rows of seats that pull out from the raised front wall of the stadium ends.

lol
That's okay, i think i can let it slide mate!

The only solution that comes to mind with me is what you mentioned. Alot of the indoor arenas around the country have that setup. Unless it might be something similar to the Telstra Dome, where all the seats slide forwards & backwards on tracks underneath the grass?

Originally Posted by Walbanger

Future expansion for the Victory, this is all very interesting but what happens when Carlton get their act together?
All the italian fans will go back to the AFL , just kiddy I think it's great.
I just hope that once Perth sorts out its stadium mess, the once powerful Glory will rise again and do better than -10 000 a game.
I'm not a soccer fan but I like Aussie league to be healthy so I'd love to see solid attendences across the board.

It would be great in future if Australia's large teams all averaged over 30 000.
Melboure at the new olympic park
Brisbane at Suncorp (don't thin Ballymore holds 30 000)
Sydney at SFS
and Perth at either a new 35 000 seater in Burswood or the redeveloped Members Equity stadium

They already play at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. There was talk of QRFC going to Ballymore, but i don't think it's going to happen just yet. If they can start playing good football, Brisbane are capable of pulling crowds as well as Melbourne can.

[docker]

in perth there is a taskforce currently trying to figure out how big and where to build an oval stadium with a capacity larger than 60,000 and also a rectangle stadium larger than 34,000.

but this redevelopment has popped out of no where with just two weeks ago lots of speculation of the Western Australian Cricket Association Ground being demolished. the proposal would see a capacity increase of 10,000 up tp 30,000. with the 38 year old Inveraity stand and the 23 year old Prindiville stand getting replaced with a 15,000 stand on the northern wing.

and ofcourse on the eastern end, square of the cricket wicket getting two 17 storey apartment buildings about 30m from the field and two office blocks (1 on the west of the ground and one in the south east) in the new northern stand, Ascot said it planned to "include 56 two-bedroom apartments in the new North stand, which would transfer into 80 corporate suites during matches, was unique in Australia."

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.as...ontentID=25983

WACA to get $250 million facelift
13th April 2007, 13:45 WST

WA cricket's spiritual home is set for a $250 million re-development, with the Western Australian Cricket Association announcing they will transform the WACA Ground into a 30,000 capacity stadium, financed by building residential towers and office blocks on parts of the ground.

Chief executive Graeme Wood said today that the WACA had entered into a partnership with private developer Ascot Capital to develop two residential towers and two office blocks in the north-eastern and western corners of the ground.

The developments would help finance a new northern stand, which would replace the Prindiville and Inverarity stands.

Mr Wood denied the WACA had sold off parts of the ground to a developer, saying it had retained the title over the WACA ground.

"Today we secured the world famous WACA ground as the home of cricket in Western Australia and we have done it while securing the financial future of the sport," he said.

The ground's capacity will be increased by 6000 and will include 80 corporate boxes built in the new northern stand.

The entire development is due to take four years and the WACA needs the State Government to contribute between $15 and $20 million towards the project.

The WACA also faces a potential run-in with the Perth City Council, with a rezoning application needed to be approved before the two 17-storey residential towers can be built.

The towers will be built on an area that is currently used for nets and indoor training facilities.

The WACA has given a commitment to relocate the facilities in the form of a new Centre for Cricket Excellence at the University of Western Australia's sports park in Floreat.

A key mover in the development is WACA President Dennis Lillee who has been credited with courting private developers to support the project.

"That we are in this position is due to the efforts of our President Dennis Lillee, who has relentlessly pursued our vision of utilising part of our land bank with private equity ... He is responsible for creating this wonderful opportunity," WACA chairman David Williams said.

Ascot Capital have developed industrial space in Australia, the United Kingdom and South Africa and have recently purchased the lease of Jandakot Airport, which they propose to develop into 160ha of offices, warehouses and distribution facilities.

The WACA plans to play all international and domestic games at the ground but may move so-called "blockbuster" games, such as the Twenty20 international against England or a 2015 World Cup match, to the proposed new football stadium or the redeveloped Subiaco Oval.

SAM RILEY

http://www.waca.com.au/latestnews/ne...ail.asp?ID=745

WACA SECURES WACA GROUND AS HOME OF CRICKET AND ITS FINANCIAL FUTURE

The Western Australian Cricket Association today announced a major new strategic partnership that will secure both the WACA Ground as the home of cricket in Western Australia and the financial future of the Association.

The WACA and Ascot Capital Limited, the operators of Jandakot Airport, have signed a heads of agreement that will see the historic WACA Ground transformed into a stunning 30,000 seat venue for international and domestic cricket as well as being home to two residential towers, two office blocks and a retail and entertainment precinct.

When making the announcement at the WACA Ground WACA Chief Executive Officer Graeme Wood said that today would go down as a momentous day in WACA history.

"This is quite simply one of the most important announcements in the proud history of the Western Australian Cricket Association," Wood said.

"Today we have secured the world famous WACA Ground as the home of cricket in Western Australia and we have done it while also securing the financial future of the sport.

"The WACA is an iconic ground in world cricket and an important part of WA's sporting history so I am sure most West Australians will agree that this development is a fantastic result for WA sport."

Ascot Capital Limited said that it was delighted to be involved in a development that will see an iconic Western Australian institution remain standing.

The development proposal combines an exciting mix of commercial development and the retention of the WACA as a world class facility.

The partnership between the WACA and Ascot Capital Limited will see the WACA Ground's capacity increased by 6,000 and also creates long term revenue opportunities for the Association.

WACA Chairman David Williams said the partnership provides an outstanding package to the WACA whilst achieving the WACA Board's stated aim of keeping cricket at the WACA Ground.

"That we are in this position is due to the efforts of our President, Dennis Lillee, who has relentlessly pursued our vision of utilising part of our land bank in partnership with private equity and he is responsible for creating this wonderful opportunity," Williams said.

"The principals of Ascot, David Van der Walt and Greg King are lovers of cricket and we trust we will all provide them our support for this courageous project which will be of great benefit to cricket in Western Australia."

The development proposal requires modest financial Government support to modernise lighting facilities at the redeveloped ground and for the creation of a Centre for Cricket Excellence at The University of Western Australia's Sports Park in Floreat. The Centre for Cricket Excellence forms a crucial part of the development plans as the existing practice facilities (both indoor and outdoor) at the WACA Ground will be lost in the redevelopment.

"There are many issues to be overcome as with any major project," Williams said.

"That said nothing was won without overcoming challenges and on behalf of Dennis and the Board we can assure you we are absolutely committed to this project."

A three to four year time frame has been put on the development project.



WACA GROUND REDEVELOPMENT Q&A

• What does this mean for the future of the WACA Ground?
Under this proposed redevelopment the WACA Ground will be transformed into a world class 30,000 seat cricket venue as well as being home to two residential towers, two office blocks and a retail and entertainment precinct.

• Where will cricket be played under this proposal?
This proposal enables all cricket, both domestic and international, to be played at the WACA Ground.

• What about the new stadium or a redeveloped Subiaco Oval?
The 30,000 capacity proposed for this redevelopment will cater for the majority of cricket fixtures however the WACA will consider moving blockbuster matches such as a Twenty20 international against England or a 2015 World Cup match to a new stadium or a redeveloped Subiaco Oval should either of these occur.

• What will the capacity of the WACA Ground be with this proposal?
The WACA Ground will be able to hold 30,000 people which is some 2000 more than the capacity at Lords.

• What corporate facilities will there be with this proposal?
The corporate facilities of the WACA Ground will be significantly upgraded with approximately 80 corporate boxes to be built in the new stand on the northern side of the ground. The number of function rooms and facilities are yet to be finalised.

• Where is the funding coming from for the project?
This project will be financially backed by Ascot Capital Limited, a property development company. The State Government will be approached for some comparatively modest support to upgrade the lighting facilities at the redeveloped ground for the benefit of neighbouring residents and to create a Centre for Cricket Excellence at The University of Western Australia’s Sports Park in Floreat as the development would take our entire existing training facilities at the WACA Ground.

• Who is Ascot Capital Limited?
Ascot Capital is a global property investment and development house which has developed approximately 150,000m2 of offices, 200,000m2 of industrial space and 100,000m2 of retail space, in Australia, United Kingdom and South Africa. It has recently purchased the lease on Jandakot Airport and is in the process of developing 160 hectares of office, warehouse and distribution facilities.

• Will it be a noose around the WACA’s neck like the last redevelopment in 2002?
No, it will be quite the opposite. The proposed project is expected to generate a long term revenue stream which will help to ensure the Association is financially viable into the future.

• Will the redeveloped WACA Ground only be home to cricket?
It is possible it could be used for other sporting events in the future but the proposal at present is to retain it as a purpose built cricket ground as part of this outstanding commercial residential development.

• Have you sold the WACA?
No. The title to the stadium remains with the WACA. The balance, namely the offices and the towers, will be held with the joint venture.

• What time frame will this project be completed in?
Subject to zoning approvals the entire redevelopment is expected to take three to four years.

• Will there be any interruption to cricket fixtures at the WACA Ground during this time?
No. Development will not affect the playing arena.

• Who has been briefed about the proposed redevelopment?
The WACA has had discussions with the Premier, Government and Opposition representatives and departmental heads, the Major Stadia Taskforce as well as the East Perth Redevelopment Authority and Trinity College to brief them on the proposed redevelopment.

• Will Government support be required?
Yes. A major issue will be the zoning required. The residential towers would need to be some 17 storeys for the project to be viable. This height is in alignment with the Raffles development and could be favourably compared to the 25 storey towers earmarked for along the Marina in the Riverside project.

• What are some of the potential hurdles that have been identified?
Issues such as transport and the comfort of our neighbours, particularly at Trinity College, need to be addressed. There is also the matter of zoning to enable 17 storey towers which will require Government approval although it is noted the proposed towers near the marina in the Riverside Project are 25 storeys.

• What is the proposed Centre for Cricket Excellence?
Part of the redevelopment proposal requires the existing practice facilities (both indoor and outdoor) at the WACA Ground to be removed. These therefore need to be replaced and we have been working on a proposal to relocate them to a state of the art facility at The University of Western Australia’s Sports Park in Floreat. The WACA Administration could also be relocated there.

• What does it cost and what’s in it for the WACA?
$250m provided by the developers. A long term revenue stream, new northern grandstands and an increase in capacity to 30,000.

although considering this is perth, this is probaly unlike to eventuate.

[NavyBlue]

I agree with you re. Perth and stadium developments but my mail is that this one is likely to go ahead due to it being linked to property development. There's no doubt that this project is more beneficial to the WACA and cricket in WA, as opposed to moving to the proposed 60-70k seater football stadium at Subiaco. Lets hope they don't stuff this up as it all hinges on a height restriction in the East Perth area.

Current...


Proposal...

[EADGBE]

There's a huge difference between 30k and 60k. Much as I've always thought of the WACA as quite iconic, is there a cricket/AFL demand in WA for a 60k ground? If so, then the WACA would seem to be sorely inadequate and perhaps should be replaced. According to Wikipedia, the population of the Perth area is around 1.5m, which is roughly equivalent to Dublin, Liverpool, Valencia and Marseille. All four of these cities already have or are building their own 60,000 capacity stadia.

Why then is it still unclear which way is best? One would assume that the Australian sports culture would demand that Perth would require a greater sized stadium than it's equivalent cities. That a 30k alternative is still being considered seems incongruous.

Or is this a power play between the Cricket faction who want to stay at the WACA (where 30k is sufficient) and the AFL faction for whom the 42k Subiaco Oval is not big enough?

[Calvin W]

A 60,000 to 70,000 seat stadium will be built soon. It is just a matter of time. The question is where. As for WACA they have stated they would not like to move to any new facility at this time. Therefore they are pursuing redevelopment/expansion of the current ground. I think this will be a benefit for the city as a whole. Pluss with a new larger footy stadium to replace Subiaco the city could be well on the way to some premier facilities! Not to mention the new Arena currently under development.

[pompeyfan]

can one of my West Australian buds fill me in on whether perth could support a second upgrade. No questions, they can handle the rectangle, 60000 seat ground, but the WACA? It's used 13 times a year currently according to my estimates..

1*Test (Cricket)
2*ODI (Cricket)
10*Domestic matches (Cricket)

the AFL is played at Subiaco. Is it financially viable @ 250 million $$ ???

[matt_sbs]

Personally i belive the WACA does needs to be development because the current facilitys are out dated but a 40-60000 seat stadium is not required to meet with current demand. The stadium is sold out with international games such as the Ashes and oneday internationals but thats maybe 5-6 times a year. But when it comes to a domestic game there might be only a thousand at the most. The members stand certainly needs to be redeveloped adding another 3000 at the most. And possible another 10000 for the public.

[docker]

Originally Posted by Rexfan2

can one of my West Australian buds fill me in on whether perth could support a second upgrade. No questions, they can handle the rectangle, 60000 seat ground, but the WACA? It's used 13 times a year currently according to my estimates..

1*Test (Cricket)
2*ODI (Cricket)
10*Domestic matches (Cricket)

the AFL is played at Subiaco. Is it financially viable @ 250 million $$ ???

well appareantly the redeveloped waca would be payed by ascott capitals and would then have a revenue coming in from the apartments so it wouldn't be dependent on the sports being played for a source of income. and yes 13 times a year would be right for cricket except it would also play host to some concerts. and then there will also be some local cricket played there aswell. but they wouldn't get any crowds.

[pompeyfan]

Originally Posted by docker

well appareantly the redeveloped waca would be payed by ascott capitals and would then have a revenue coming in from the apartments so it wouldn't be dependent on the sports being played for a source of income. and yes 13 times a year would be right for cricket except it would also play host to some concerts. and then there will also be some local cricket played there aswell. but they wouldn't get any crowds.

That's right, there's those apartments too.

[BobDaBuilder]

Wasn't long ago that Perth was in danger of losing it's test match status to Hobart.

I wouldn't be so quick to throw even more money at the WACA. The people of Perth need to show up to cricket in numbers when England are not in town to prove they are worthy.

[Ari Gold]

Ideally the stands are built so that it can be configured in a rectangular way so that the Force and GLory would relocate here. Its not hard to move those already shitty stands anyway. And on the subject of those apartments, they will command a hefty price alright. Were talking about East Perth here.

And dont be surprised if the stadium built is going to be around 70K. That is the likeling of most Perth forumers and not to mention Eagles supporters (the best team of course lol). We'll fill these stadiums up, dont you worry. If its worth it, it will be filled. Now send us some decent footy opponents/ artists/ etc.

[invincible]

Bump.

The stadium has been given the go-ahead for construction, with a capacity of 31,000 and foundations to support expansion to 50,000. No major changes to the design, expected completion is in 2010.

Main thread: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=459691

[Mo Rush]

thread title over the top

Olympic Park Football Stadium - 31,000 - Melbourne
More than enough..
"new world class save our country of the king of the second wife thats close to the city centre" stadium is uneccessary

[gappa]

New rectangular stadium for Melbourne, 31 000 pax.

[Mo Rush]

Originally Posted by gappa

New rectangular stadium for Melbourne, 31 000 pax.

looks the same to me...

[skytrax]

australias have nice stadiums. hope one day the world cup to be there