Case Studies
Optus Stadium Transport

Design Feature

Type of Project
Infrastructure
State
Western Australia
Location
Urban
Providing the community with integrated transport options will result in a positive health outcome. Optus Stadium and its surrounding Stadium Park is an example of how planning an effective movement network, as a key principle of the project, supports a more active community. Optus Stadium was officially opened on Sunday 21 January 2018 and is the third largest sporting and entertainment venue in Australia. The stadium has a capacity of 60,000 seats (in AFL format) and has the flexibility to host major sporting and entertainment events.
Putting spectators first
The greenfields nature of the Optus Stadium site presented an opportunity to incorporate a pedestrian focused movement network into the planning of the site, as opposed to retrofitting transport solutions after construction. The site is easily accessible by train, bus and car (however parking is limited) with opportunities for walking and cycling. From the outset it was understood that this project would be heavily dependent on public transport. As such it was planned so that 83% of a capacity crowd can be transported by modes other than cars within one hour of an event. The project included the development of appropriate transport infrastructure to allow for a high level of access. The infrastructure includes a new train station – Perth Stadium Station, and upgraded East Perth Station (for use by fans who chose to walk across the Windan Bridge), bus facilities on the Burswood Peninsula and in East Perth and a new pedestrian bridge – Matagarup Bridge over the Swan River.
Optus Stadium’s design features support healthy active outcomes and include:
  • Priority given to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport over car use.
  • Direct routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Direct walkable links between public transport facilities and the Stadium.
  • Attractive and inviting areas for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Increased safety for pedestrians and cyclists through the limitation of through-traffic and the separation of cars and pedestrians.
  • Facilities designed to encourage public transport use.
  • Multiple transport mode options.

Project team
  • Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries
  • Department of Finance - Strategic Projects
  • Public Transport Authority
  • Main Roads Western Australia
  • VenuesWest

Project cost
The total cost of designing, building, partially financing and maintaining Optus Stadium and surrounding Stadium Park for 25 years plus the associated transport infrastructure is $1.46 billion, which was reported in the 2017/18 Budget. 
Health value
  • The limitation that this project places on accessibility by car will see the majority of patrons access Optus Stadium events by means of other transport modes, including public transport and active transport modes (cycling and walking for at least part of the journey). In addition, besides the small amount of parking located underneath the Stadium and on the Northern Oval in event mode, the majority of the parking spaces are located at existing parking areas in the Perth CBD. As such, all transport modes used to access the venue will include incidental exercise in the form of walking.
  • Directness of walking routes (associated with the new Matagarup Bridge), level of access to public transport facilities and general attractiveness of walking routes will see most patrons opt to walk or use public transport. It is expected that approximately 10,000 people will utilise Matagarup Bridge on event days. Approximately 24,000 are expected to utilise Stadium Station, the six platform train station located in close proximity to Optus Stadium. A further 10,000 people, located in areas currently not serviced by rail will, be catered to by the 22-stand Stadium Bus Station located within Stadium Park.

Economic value
  • Optus Stadium is a multi-purpose venue capable of hosting AFL, cricket, rugby league and union, soccer and entertainment events. Stadium Park is open year round and includes a number of children’s playgrounds within the Chevron Park, the BHP Amphitheatre, a Community Oval and restaurants, bar and café facilities. Within 1.5km of Optus Stadium is an estimated 5,000 – 6,500 residential dwellings, commercial and retail space.
  • While the Stadium itself will predominantly be used for AFL matches, it will also be capable of accommodating cricket and soccer matches, rugby league and union matches, athletic events, concerts and other large public events. The Stadium also has a range of spaces available on event and non-event days for functions. These activities are significant contributors to the local and larger economy. In addition, a Stadium well-serviced by public transport is more likely to attract major international events bringing the associated tourism-based economic benefits.
  • It is expected approximately 35 annual stadium events will draw large crowds to the Stadium. This influx will support the surrounding retailers and increase the feasibility of economic development throughout larger sections of East Perth and the Burswood Peninsula.

Environmental value
The intent of the master planning is to establish attractive natural parkland along the banks of the Swan River, incorporating extensive landscaping and planting suited to local environmental conditions. The retention of existing vegetation plus the planting of water wise local flora provide wind and shade protection.
Social value
The Stadium as a venue for sporting and other public events will in itself be a public space where people of all ages and ethnicity will interact. With a capacity of 60,000, events have large scale social value for the entire Western Australian community.

The surrounding Stadium Park also provides a destination for locals and visitors alike year-round.
Use value
As a 60,000-seat venue, Optus Stadium will have significant sport and other entertainment use value. Due to the high level of public transport access this use value will be extended to the entire Perth CBD. The Stadium development and its surrounds also provides a parkland environment for walking, cycling and other outdoor activities.
References

Further information can be found at the Optus Stadium website: https://optusstadium.com.au/


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