Perth’s new $1.45 billion Optus Stadium, and the surrounding Stadium Park, has officially opened, with construction finished ahead of schedule.
Leading global contractor, Multiplex, completed the construction of the world-class multi-purpose sporting stadium and surrounding park in January 2018, three weeks ahead of schedule.
With views of the Swan River and Perth city in the west and the foothills in the east, the stadium will host a variety of sports and entertainment events including Australian Football League, cricket, soccer, rugby and concerts.
The surrounding Stadium Park will provide year-round access for visitors of all ages, with facilities including nature playgrounds in the Chevron Parkland, the BHP Boardwalk and Amphitheatre, picnic and barbeque areas, public art, recreational facilities and bars and restaurants.
The stadium incorporates state-of-the-art technology including two giant 340sqm video screens, more than 1000 televisions throughout the building so fans never miss the action, and LED lighting in the roof to show home team colours at night.
Over 14,000 tonnes of structural steel and 51,000 cubic metres of concrete have been used in the stadium’s construction – enough to fill 21 olympic-sized swimming pools.
Premier, Mark McGowan said, “The people of Western Australia have been watching the development of this venue for a number of years and it is now theirs to experience and enjoy.”
Multiplex’s Regional Managing Director, Chris Palandri, said the stadium opening was an exciting day for Perth and he congratulated the State Government and the Westadium Consortium on the outcome.
“It’s a great stadium and park and West Australians are about to see how good it is,” Mr Palandri said.
“It is one of the world’s best multi-purpose venues and I am particularly proud that Multiplex has been able to deliver this wonderful design and construction project ahead of time and with such spectacular results.
“This has been a complex and lengthy process that included consultation with nine user groups to achieve a venue designed and built to put fans first.
“The result is an innovative design which ensures an exceptional event atmosphere and home ground advantage.
“When you have 60,000 people in the stadium you need to ensure you are creating the most welcoming and comfortable environment possible. I’m proud to say that Multiplex has delivered that.”
“We awarded contracts valued at more than $470 million to WA companies – about 80 per cent – and a workforce of more than 7,500 people, including an employment program for Aboriginal workers, helped deliver this amazing new facility, which also created more than 400 new jobs,” Mr Palandri said.
Multiplex was part of the Brookfield-led Westadium Consortium appointed by the WA State Government in April 2014 to design, build, maintain and partly finance the Perth Stadium and Stadium Park.
With construction finished after 36 months of construction, the stadium will now be maintained by Westadium’s facilities manager BGIS, which has a 25-year services contract.
Optus Stadium and Stadium Park will be operated by the State Government’s appointed Operator, VenuesLive, under a separate contract.
“Optus Stadium is a world-class facility that generations of Western Australians will enjoy in coming years,” Mr McGowan said
“There are already some big events coming up and I look forward to seeing people from the Eastern States and overseas visit the stadium, boosting our economy and creating ongoing jobs for Western Australians.”
