The existing Pirtek stadium will make way for a new Western Sydney Stadium with capacity increasing to 30,000.
The new stadium will be equipped with modern state of the art facilities coupled with a design that will maximise the fan experience by creating a dynamic atmosphere.
This project marks the beginning of the NSW Government’s $1.6 billion Stadia Strategy which will see Stadiums across the state transformed into world class arenas.
The new stadium will play host to a range of sports across the calendar year. Two of Australia’s most passionately supported teams, the Western Sydney Wanderers (Football) and the Parramatta Eels (Rugby League) will call the stadium home for their respective sporting seasons, with the ARU also expressing their desire to bring rugby union fixtures to the stadium, a major reward to fans in Western Sydney that have often been overlooked in the past.
However the stadium will by no means be limited to sporting events, with a more modern and technologically advanced stadium it will be able to attract more high profile performers, making the stadium an entertainment hub for both the people of Parramatta and Western Sydney.
Approval for the stadium will be in two stages.
Stage one involves the public exhibition of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for demolition of the existing stadium and the Parramatta Swimming Centre. The demolition and relocation of the pool is needed as the new Stadium will cater for 50 per cent more seats as well as new contemporary facilities.
Stage one also includes the concept proposal – this will guide the development of the new stadium.
The concept proposal will harvest the ideas and knowledge of local businesses and residents, as they are given an opportunity to provide feedback on the overarching vision as well as different aspects of the stadium’s design, ranging from public plazas, playing field and public access.
Stage two will see a more detailed design of both the stadium and surrounding areas. It will also articulate the process of construction and operation.
Given Australia’s rich sporting culture and reputation overseas, we must evolve our stadiums into world class assets. Such a stadium must encompass the latest in technology, from big screens and wifi for patrons in conjunction with the latest in broadcast facilities, ticketing and security.
A more modern stadium with increased seating capacity goes well beyond the social benefits. The Western Sydney Stadium will attract national and international sporting events and festivals. It will make Parramatta more competitive as a destination for overnight visitation.
The NSW Government is eager to hear from the community. A number of pop-in sessions along with an Open Day at Pirtek Stadium have been organised, allowing the public the opportunity to provide ongoing feedback, making the stadium one which serves their needs now and into the future.
The open day will be held on Saturday, August 6 from 10am and includes tours of the facilities and access to behind the scenes operations, giving the public a chance to see the complexities of operating a stadium facility.
This is an exciting and different opportunity to engage the community in this project. It is often large stakeholders such as business groups that contribute submissions to these projects, and this strategy will hopefully spur on more public submissions, truly making Western Sydney Stadium a product of the people.
The need for the new stadium is unequivocal, with reports showing that sporting fixtures in Parramatta are set to double for the 2019 opening of the stadium.
With the stadium project ramping up steam, I strongly encourage all interested parties to view the plans and make submissions as now is the best time to have your view heard.
The exhibition for the first stage of this milestone project is open until August 19, and a submission can be made at:
www.majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au
Geoff Lee is State Member for Parramatta.
