The transformation of ANZ Stadium into a world-class rectangular venue will be fast-tracked, NSW Premier Mike Baird and Sports Minister Stuart Ayres announced today.
Subject to the successful conclusion of negotiations with the current lessee to acquire the stadium business, the refurbishment of ANZ will begin in the current term of government.
Along with the construction of a new Parramatta Stadium, which has already been approved and will begin later this year, and the refurbishment of Allianz Stadium, which will begin during the next term of Government, the $1.6 billion package represents the biggest investment in sport, entertainment and the visitor economy in NSW since the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
The transformation of ANZ Stadium and Allianz Stadium will be managed and delivered by Infrastructure NSW, the Government’s infrastructure advisory and implementation body.
“We have secured a great win for the people of NSW through content agreements with the sporting codes,” Mr Baird said.
“It means the country’s premium sports content and major events will be showcased in Australia’s global city for decades to come, as a result of our investment in world-class venues.”
As part of the infrastructure boost, Mr Baird announced a new $40 million NRL Centres of Excellence fund, under which NSW NRL clubs will be able to refresh their local facilities on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
The long-term content agreements secured with the NRL, ARU and FFA include:
· 20 years of NRL Grand Finals and State of Origin matches;
· 10 years of the Bledisloe Cup and an additional test match each year, a guaranteed Lions Tour Test match, along with Rugby Sevens; and
· A 12 year agreement in principle with the FFA to host at least 12 Socceroos and 12 Matildas matches.
Mr Ayres said that, after lagging behind the other major states in sporting and major events infrastructure, NSW was seizing the opportunity to get in front.
“It is great news for these codes, as participation and attendance grows in the years to come, but more importantly it is great news for the NSW economy,” Mr Ayres said.
