The Perth Stadium - Progress to date

Posted by Dianne Reed on Nov 22, 2016
 
This morning Terry O'Brien provided us with an update on what has been done so far in building The Perth Stadium.  The Stadium is due to be completed, ready for the AFL season 2018.  So far it is on time and on budget.
 
 
Terry, who is the Communications Manager for Multiplex, gave us a greater understanding of the work that has been done on the Perth Stadium to ensure that it is ready for the 2018 AFL season.   The stadium has been purpose built to house cricket and football, as well as rugby (both codes) and soccer.  It is expected that it could also be used for entertainment events as well.  There should be 60,000 seats available, but could increase to 65,000 seats for the codes that use a rectangular shaped field as there is scope to drop in more seats at each end and on each side.  All seats will still have an uninterrupted view of the action.
 
Some of the work that has been done so far include:
 
  • preparing the way for 6 platforms at the nearby train station, so that people travelling from Joondalup and Mandurah don't have to change trains in the city, but can continue on to the Stadium station.
  • preparing the bus hug and taxi rank within the precinct.  There will be no public parking on site as the aim is to have everyone use public transport or walk across the walk bridge from East Perth (once completed)
  • 34 of the 49 roof sections have now been installed
  • 4156 pre-cast seating plats have been put in - of the 60,000 seats that will be required
  • 87% of all the facade panels are up
  • all 50 roof trusses are completed
  • over 15,500 tonnes of structural steel have been installed
  • and over 50,000 cubic metres of concrete have been poured.
It is about 65% complete and the focus will now move from the outside of the stadium to finishing off the insides.  This will include preparing the oval itself.  About a half a metre of soil is currently being removed so that the reticulation system, wiring, gravel base and grass can be rolled in ready for January 2018.  The turf is currently being grown in Serpentine ready for installation.
 
After much consultation the final size of the ground was decided and in keeping with what was asked for; the actual size of the new ground will be about 5 metres longer than the Subiaco field and 11 metres narrower than the MCG. 
 
The Perth Stadium Precinct covers about 45 hectares and as well as the stadium itself has some outdoors areas for recreation and eating purposes.  These include bicycle paths, walkways, a huge screen TV so people can watch the game outside; restaurants for people to come early to the game, enjoy a meal and then watch the game, or stay on after the game has finished to enjoy a meal then.  These facilities are expected to be open every day, not just when game day is. 
 
Thank you Terry, that was a great overview of the work that has been done to date; and you also provided us with some information about what is coming next for the Stadium.  Can't wait to see if finished and in action.