Business case into stadia strategy suggests moving games from Lottoland to new Allianz Stadium
A REPORT prepared to justify the knockdown and rebuild of Allianz Stadium in Moore Park has suggested NRL games at Lottoland, previously known as Brookvale Oval, should be moved to the new ground when completed.
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A REPORT prepared to justify the knockdown and rebuild of Allianz Stadium in Moore Park has suggested NRL games at Brookvale Oval should be moved to the new ground when completed.
A line in the business case, prepared by KPMG, suggested matches be moved from the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles’ home ground which would boost crowds at the stadium after its $730 million rebuild.
And the report suggests an approach of deterioration by neglect, possibly putting promised funding for an upgrade in jeopardy.
“In line with the stadia strategy, the government has stated its commitment to not fund non-State owned venues,” said the report, released yesterday.
“As such, these Sydney-based teams will begin to require new venues to host home games as their stadia become unsuitable for hosting national sporting competitions (e.g. Brookvale Oval, Leichhardt Oval).”
The report suggests there would be better financial returns for sporting clubs playing at a bigger stadium.
The business case to support redevelopment of Allianz and ANZ stadiums, first reported by The Australian, also outlined the cost benefit ratio for a $810m refurbishment of ANZ stadium.
Sea Eagles CEO Lyall Gorman said he was confident the club would get funding to help with a stadium upgrade despite the KPMG report.
“We are engaged deeply in developing a draft masterplan,” he said. “It is all positive and moving forward.
“There are no ties at all from the government funding commitment to Allianz or ANZ stadium on any club to move content.”
Northern Beaches Council owns Brookvale Oval, which has long been promised upgrade funds by state and federal governments. Mayor Michael Regan said he was still working with the Sea Eagles to improve the venue.
When told of the concept to remove games from the oval (now Lottoland), Cr Regan had a simple message for the State Government: “Good luck”.
“It is just too bloody hard to get to the games, whether it be at Homebush, or Allianz Stadium, from here at anytime,” he said.
“Clearly no one from KPMG lives on the northern beaches and respects or understands the traffic and transport issues.”
A spokesman for Manly MP James Griffin said: “Mr Griffin looks forward to continuing to support the Sea Eagles at Brookvale.
“There is no suggestion that the rebuilding of Allianz Stadium will mean games are moved from Brookvale. In all cases, the Manly Sea Eagles determine where the Manly Sea Eagles play.
“The $10 million Centre of Excellence funding package still remains.”
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, who is the Sea Eagles no. 1 ticket holder, did not respond to questions from the Manly Daily.
Lottoland is in a three-year deal for naming rights of Brookvale Oval. Lottoland chief executive officer Luke Brill said they were standing by the Sea Eagles.
“Our sponsorship is a three year deal, we are in year two, we are keen to renew and go on from there, but we would consider what is happening with the future of the site,” he said.
“We have no intention of walking away from Manly. It has been be a fantastic sponsorship deal for us.”