SCG Trust corrects Sydney Morning Herald claims of Allianz Stadium compliance works costs

March 22, 2019

The Sydney Cricket and Sportsground Trust has moved to counter claims made in the Sydney Morning Herald this week that Allianz Stadium could have been refurbished for as little as $18 million rather than the $729 million for its demolition and rebuild.

In a firmly worded response, the SCG Trust has stated that the article “is misleading and incorrect” and that it will be seeking a formal correction for both the print and online articles.

The Trust statement reads “the report referred to in the article outlined $130 million in capital works required. Of this amount, $105.8 million comprised end of life replacement of assets predominately of a safety, security and compliance nature.

“Of the remaining assets with some residual useful life, a further $18 million would be required to be spent on safety, security and compliance. To isolate the $18 million is misleading.

“The $18 million referenced in the article accounts for replacement of electrical boards, emergency lighting, exit signage and fire detection systems only.

“This total cost of $130 million is only for basic compliance and does not consider improving the stadium for ingress and egress, disabled access, female spectator and player facilities, roof coverage nor meeting seismic code standards. It would have extended the life of the building for five years.

A full safety, security and compliance upgrade of Allianz Stadium was costed at $341 million in the Infrastructure NSW Base Case in March 2018. This detail is publicly available.”

The Trust, which also advises that it was not contacted for comment prior to the story being published, also released a statement from Asset Technologies Pacific, the consultants who conducted the report.

In this statement, Asset Technologies Pacific Chief Executive, John Moor advised "this article has clearly misrepresented the condition status of Allianz Stadium and has ignored the key point which is identified in the third paragraph of the executive summary being many of the structural elements and building services are over 28 years old and have deteriorated to the extent where they have reached the end of their effective operational life.

"In 2016, $18,153,800.00 was needed to be spent on safety and compliance issues in addition to $112,215,200.00 for end of life, security and environmental issues representing a total spend of $130,369,000.00."

Image: Allianz Stadium during NRL ANZAC Day commemorations.

21st March 2019 - Report reveals Allianz Stadium could have been refurbished for $18 million

15th March 2019 - ‘End of the Road’ for legal obstacles aimed at halting demolition of the Sydney Football Stadium

9th March 2019 - Sydney Football Stadium demolition to resume after court rejects injunction extension

6th March 2019 - NSW Opposition leader vows to sack SCG Trust board over Allianz Stadium rebuild

26th February 2019 - Allianz Stadium demolition on hold after NSW Court extends injunction

22nd February 2019 - Court injunction halts demolition of Sydney’s Allianz Stadium

1st December 2018 - Former Sydney Olympic Park executive calls for abolition of SCG Trust

28th September 2018 - NSW Government urged to delay rebuilding of ANZ Stadium

25th September 2018 - Architect condemns Sydney Football Stadium rebuilding plans

22nd September 2018 - Allianz Stadium set for last ever sporting fixture

16th March 2018 - NSW Opposition leader rules out knocking down Sydney’s Allianz and ANZ Stadiums

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