A HI-TECH stadium modelled on Phoenix’s Super Bowl arena — where the entire field can be wheeled outside and replaced with a convention centre floor — is being planned for Liverpool in Sydney’s southwest.
Artist’s impressions of the innovative venue have been drawn up under the direction of Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun in a bid to win the support of the Baird government.
Mr Mannoun said it was critical Liverpool’s stadium proposal was flexible to ensure the venue was not just used by sporting teams.
“We’re drawing on inspiration from the University of Phoenix stadium,” he said. “Our proposal is an entertainment centre that can turn into a sports venue.
“No facility we presently have in Sydney would get usage like this: everything from local netball games, to professional sports to camper van expos, music concerts and high school graduations.’’
With the new Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek expected to turbocharge economic growth in Liverpool, the fast-growing region is regarded as a frontrunner in the battle to win funding for a new stadium.
Liverpool’s main competition will come from Penrith, home to Sports Minister Stuart Ayres and the Penrith Panthers NRL franchise.
Under Mr Mannoun’s plan, the roofed stadium of about 30,000 seats would be part of an entertainment and cultural precinct at Woodward Park, 800m from Liverpool train station and a kilometre from the M5.
It is estimated the total precinct would cost about $600 million, of which $400 million could be raised through developer contributions.
About $200 million would be needed from the state government, including money raised through potential land sales.
“We want the Liverpool of the 21st century to be a hub for knowledge industry jobs,’’ Mr Mannoun said.
“To attract and retain young talent and aspirational families, we need to create a ‘live, work and play’ environment, as well as fast transport links.’’
By 2031, Liverpool is expected to be servicing a regional population of almost 1.3 million.
The unique Phoenix stadium, where former Eels star Jarryd Hayne played with the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers last month, is celebrated in North America as a marvel of design, engineering and technology.
Mr Mannoun has already secured an agreement with the Wests Tigers NRL team to create a new home in Liverpool if it can secure federal funding to help build a centre of excellence at Carnes Hill.
He has also met with the owners of English Premier League giants Liverpool FC to drum up interest in the famous football club one day supporting a new A-League team in Sydney’s southwest.
Bulldogs and Tigers will take advantage of this. Will Parra take their games to this stadium?
Replies
Ned's one of the Liberal Party's golden boys at the moment, with demographic changes in the Liverpool area finally delivering the Libs the council and State seats out that way. He seems a nice enough guy, but he's very much a politician and I suspect he'll be looking to move on up to State or Federal politics sometime soon.
Problem for Liverpool Council, of course, is it's financial situation - there's no massive cash surplus there, following years of mismanagement by previous Labor-run Council.
Ned's trying to be a mover and shaker, but I don't see the NSW Government funding this in light of their recent announcement on stadium strategy. What he's also not mentioning is that this plan would involve the destruction of parkland, sporting (namely netball) facilities, and the Whitlam Centre swimming centre and stadium complex. Not to mention the Meals on Wheels centre there, and most likely two community halls.
The Tigers could be a regular tenant for the stadium, but I note that the mooted centre of excellence is contingent on funding that is not yet forthcoming. As yet, there has been no suggestion from the A League that they're looking at a third Sydney team - let alone one in Liverpool.
Dream big Ned - but I hope you didn't waste too much of our money putting this plan together, because I doubt it's going anywhere.
No probs at all Sixties. The advantage of living in the area, and being interviewed for a job as his policy advisor once LOL.