http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...t-allianz-stadium-safety-20170706-gx68e0.html
Rebuild an option after government warned about Allianz Stadium safety
The Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust has raised concerns about the safety of Allianz Stadium with the NSW government in a move that could prompt a renewed examination of the feasibility of a total rebuild of the ageing venue.
The government remains committed to investing $1.6 billion to provide the state's stadiums with a much-needed makeover, although it is unclear how the funds will be allocated to the ANZ Stadium and Allianz projects. Sports Minister Stuart Ayres last week said a decision would not be made until the government received a "detailed business case" for the redevelopment of ANZ Stadium, which isn't expected until the end of the year.
Another factor for consideration is the cost of maintaining Allianz Stadium to ensure it complies with safety regulations. The issues around safety and comfort of patrons at the stadium have been raised with Ayres by SCG Trust chairman Tony Shepherd.
Allianz Stadium, originally known as the Sydney Football Stadium when it was built in 1988, will need significant investment just to bring it up to existing security and safety compliance standards. It is estimated those costs alone would total about $140 million, without providing any discernible improvements to the game-day experience.
A refurbishment would require an outlay of at least $400m, while a knock down and rebuild would likely total $600m. The cost to the taxpayer for the latter option would be less, given the Trust would likely commit upwards of $50m towards the project.
Any new stadium, with a capacity of about 45,000, would be built on land the Trust owns, rather than encroaching on adjoining areas.
Several NRL clubs are sweating on the government's decision. ANZ Stadium's main tenants, South Sydney, Canterbury, Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra, are becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of clarity surrounding the Olympic stadium. A total rebuild at Moore Park will temporarily displace the Roosters and several other teams, including A-League champions Sydney FC and rugby union's Waratahs.
Shepherd said the NSW government would factor in the costs of maintaining Allianz, as opposed to giving it a rebuild, before making a call. "It's up to the government where it spends money on stadiums and we will respect the judge's outcome, whatever it may be," Shepherd said. "Suffice to say, the Sydney Football Stadium is certainly a very old stadium and needs some investment. We'd be happy to see that happen. We recognise the government hasn't got a bottomless pit of money and it's a question of whatever their priorities are."
