Stadium hiccup for GovernmentPETER KERR, The West Australian February 27, 2010, 2:15 am Buzz up! Send
State Government plans to build a 25,000-seat soccer and rugby stadium in East Perth have hit a snag with the Town of Vincent refusing to sell the existing stadium and rejecting the Government's subsequent bid to pay a peppercorn rent for the land.
The delay could affect the Government's pledge to have final plans in place by July and slow the desperately needed rebuilding of the ageing ME Bank Stadium, shared by the Western Force and Perth Glory.
It could also have financial ramifications for Rugby WA, which is understood to have leased temporary seating and equipment on the basis that a new facility would be in place within two to three years.
Further delays mean it would have been better off buying the items.
Vincent mayor Nick Catania confirmed on Thursday that in an effort to break the deadlock the council had submitted an updated proposal to the Government.
It included a substantial annual lease fee in recognition that the council would be giving up its management rights to the facility.
The Government has demanded control over the existing stadium before proceeding with any redevelopment, possibly including scrapping the long-term management lease held by Allia Venue Management, arguing it was necessary to justify the estimated $160 million bill for the project.
Mr Catania would not say how much council was seeking as an annual fee but said negotiations had been "amicable" and he expected a resolution soon.
A spokeswoman for Sports Minister Terry Waldron said yesterday talks were "continuing in good faith" but would not give further details or a deadline as to when they might be finalised.
The Government is yet to say how it will fund the project, or give any timeline for its completion.
Shadow sports minister Ken Travers said he was baffled by the Government's insistence on taking full control of the stadium after last year rejecting Vincent's proposal for a $75 million refurbishment.
Mr Travers said the council had proved it could manage developments on its own land, such as the Department of Sport and Recreation headquarters in Leederville.
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The saga continues .
