Premier Column #41 09.12.16

WINNING DESIGN UNVEILED FOR NEW PARRAMATTA STADIUM

By NSW Premier Mike Baird @MikeBairdMP

Western Sydney is set to become a major sport and entertainment hub when the brand new Parramatta Stadium opened to fans in 2019.

I visited Parramatta with Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres to unveil the new design for the brand new 30,000 seat stadium, which we announced in September 2015. The contract to design and build the Western Sydney Stadium has been awarded, with the winning design promising to build a world-class venue that will revolutionise the spectator experience.

The new stadium will become the new jewel in the Parramatta crown and has been designed with the entire fan experience in mind, featuring all the mod cons like WiFi and an activation precinct designed to draw crowds and allow fans become immersed in the atmosphere on game days.

The design we have chosen boasts Australia’s steepest stands to ensure fans will be closer to the action than ever before. Once it’s built, fans in the stands at Parramatta will be closer to the field than any other stadium in the country – even closer than Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

This design was selected from three shortlisted designs that were announced in July. Designed to respect Parramatta’s cultural heritage, the stadium precinct will provide integrated pedestrian and public transport links and improved access to Parramatta Park. It will also feature the highest Energy and Environmental Design rating in the world.

Work to demolish Pirtek Stadium will begin early next year and the new venue is due to open in early 2019.

I’m pleased Western Sydney will receive a stadium that will set a new standard for sporting experience in Sydney, and will be transformed into a precinct of global significance we can all be proud of.

We’re getting on with the job of delivering the biggest investment in sporting and entertainment infrastructure since the 2000 Olympics, and our first cab off the rank in our $1.6 billion stadia package is truly jaw-dropping.

The Western Sydney economy will benefit from 1200 jobs that will be created during construction and at least 900 ongoing jobs to support the stadium and the major sporting events and concerts it will attract for decades to come.

Finally, as we come together to spend quality time with family and friends this holiday season, it is my great pleasure to wish communities across NSW a Merry Christmas.

Millions of people in NSW will celebrate Christmas and the festive season in their own special way, in the safety and security of a society that cherishes the free practice of faith.

At this joyous time we recognise the universal messages of peace, love, compassion and goodwill, and give thanks for our blessings.

As we reflect on the past 12 months, the NSW Government has continued to deliver new schools and hospitals, to provide our younger generations with access to quality education, and protect the sick and vulnerable.

The largest capital works program in state’s history is well underway, including projects such as Sydney Metro, WestConnex and NorthConnex, which have allowed thousands of people to secure new jobs or retrain in new skills areas.

We have achieved many things together and it was wonderful to celebrate the Lunar New Year and Diwali with my friends in the community, host my annual Harmony Dinner and Iftar at Parliament House, and become the first serving NSW Premier to visit Israel.

I wish everyone in NSW a happy and safe holiday season.