Industry News

Optus Stadium footbridge gets new name 

The footbridge linking Optus Stadium to East Perth will be named Matagarup Bridge to recognise the cultural significance of the area to the indigenous Whadjuk community.

Optus Stadium will officially open on January 21 with a free public open day, though the bridge won’t be complete until May.

Matagarup Bridge has been redesigned to exclude the previously planned fabric cladding. The state government has said the move will help to save Aus$4m (£2.3m/€2.6m/$3m) in construction costs and $11m in maintenance over 40 years.

The News.com.au website notes that Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said Matagarup was the name given by traditional land owners to the area around Heirisson Island, and refers to a place where the river is only leg deep, which allows it to be crossed.

A week after the official opening of Optus Stadium, there will be an England-Australia one-day international cricket match, with an AFL Women’s match featuring the Fremantle Dockers being held on February 10.

Earlier this month, telecommunications company Optus acquired naming rights for the venue in a deal reported to be worth more than Aus$50m over the course of 10 years.