Rugby union chiefs urge Gladys Berejiklian to fund upgrades to ‘deathtrap’ Allianz Stadium
AUSTRALIA’S rugby union chiefs have urged action to address the dilapidated state of Allianz Stadium as the state government prepares to spend more than $1 billion on upgrades to ANZ Stadium.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AUSTRALIA’S rugby union chiefs have urged action to address the dilapidated state of Allianz Stadium as the state government prepares to spend more than $1 billion on upgrades to ANZ Stadium.
As revealed in yesterday’s Daily Telegraph, Allianz is viewed as a dangerous deathtrap in a leaked letter from the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust, but NSW Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance has yet to offer an upgrade plan.
The government is expected in the next month to announce a $1 billion-plus investment in ANZ Stadium at Homebush out of the $1.3 billion it has promised for stadium upgrades, but it is unclear how quickly Allianz could be upgraded.
The SCG Trust has written to chiefs of the sporting codes using Allianz Stadium at Moore Park with dire warnings of the state of the 31-year-old venue, and independent certifiers say they can only guarantee the stadium should remain open for another three years, without an urgent injection of funds.
If the government were to rebuild Homebush before spending any money on Allianz, it could be five years before work is started at the Moore Park venue.
Yesterday, Australian Rugby Union Chief Bill Pulver became the latest figure to ask that Premier Gladys Berejiklian fund upgrades of both Allianz and ANZ Stadium, telling The Daily Telegraph: “We would be disappointed if the NSW government looked to exhaust the remaining funds that have been set aside on only one stadium.
“Allianz Stadium is the venue which hosts the majority of professional rugby content in NSW and currently lacks appropriate amenity, corporate hospitality and accessibility. It requires investment to ensure that Sydney has a network of world-class stadiums.”
He was joined by 2GB broadcaster and SCG Trustee Alan Jones, who said: “Allianz is long overdue” for a refurbishment.
“The Trust works tirelessly to protect the safety of its patrons. But all stadiums all over the world need refurbishment or rebuild at some stage. Allianz is long overdue,” Mr Jones said.
NSW Rugby Union chief Andrew Hore has also written to Ms Berejiklian urging her to act on an Allianz Stadium upgrade.
RELATED: PROPOSED NEW ROOF FOR ANZ STADIUM
Options presented by the SCG Trust include a complete $800 million rebuild or a $400 million refurbishment, while a minimum of $137 million is required to address safety at Allianz without improving the arena.
The leaked letter says there are no fire sprinklers, no emergency warning intercom system, no emergency power supply and not enough exits at the stadium.
Minns mulls stronger police power to reject protests as costs soar
The Premier said a review would take place into protests and the allocation of police resources, saying cops should have powers to reject a protest, citing a $5m financial burden. Have your say in our poll.
Sydney serial protest princess ‘fired for activism’
A serial protester who wears Disney princess dresses at pro-Palestinian rallies to make children feel more comfortable taking part says she’s been sacked from her job.