Advising on Perth’s Optus Stadium
Between 2014 and 2017 we supported the Government of Western Australia in the development of a major new outdoor sports stadium on the Burswood Peninsula, Perth. The development included a 60,000 seat multi-purpose stadium and a surrounding sports precinct.
In 2014 the SGSA was approached by the Government of Western Australia to review the architectural plans for a new multi-purpose stadium in Perth for compliance against the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide).
The aspiration for the stadium and the surrounding Park was to form a permanent centre piece for the redevelopment of the Burswood Peninsula on the Swan River. The stadium would provide a ‘fans-first’ experience in sports viewing and entertainment and was to be a state-of-the-art multi-purpose stadium accommodating Australian Rules Football, cricket and entertainment events with drop-in seats adding flexibility to host rugby union and league, and football matches. The stadium would also have the capability to host major events consistent with requirements for Commonwealth Games and international athletics.
In keeping with the aspiration to put fans at the heart of the experience, the Government of Western Australia wanted to ensure the stadium complied with international best practice safety guidance as set out in the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds.
We were invited to assess the architectural plans at the design phase and throughout construction. As well as proving quality assurance to the stadium developers, the SGSA consulted on the fire engineering and advised on the crowd modelling assumptions to ensure the design would ensure safety for all patrons.
The SGSA visited the stadium site on four separate occasions throughout the project, providing expert safety advice and guidance.
SGSA Authority Inspector, Rick Riding said, “Optus Stadium is one of the best designed stadiums in the world – it is state-of-the-art. In addition, the approach the Government has taken in involving the people who will use it, and those living in the surrounding area has ensured the Stadium’s ‘fans-first’ aspiration is achieved
“The ‘fans first’ approach was highly effective, involving supporters and consulting with the users of the Stadium throughout the design and construction phase. The approach was evident throughout as the Project Team sought views and input and adapted the plans accordingly. This best practice approach helps ensure the stadium is both for and part of the community.
“It was great to work on a project that demanded the safest and best experience for those using the Stadium and for the wider the community. “
Principal Project Manager for Optus Stadium, Steven Humfrey said: “The Optus Stadium project identified the need for an independent stadium safety consultant prior to the commencement of design. The SGSA was selected as international leaders in this field and provided excellent advice with integrity in representing both the needs of the client and the PPP vehicle in a fair and balanced manner, over the three-year journey.”