The New South Wales government is searching for a new partner to complete the rebuilding of Allianz Stadium after Lendlease departed the project.
The construction company successfully demolished the Australian city’s premier sports stadium – also known as Sydney Football Stadium – as part of a $729m (£405m/$505m) project which is due to see it rebuilt and reopened by 2022. Last December it was announced that Lendlease was the “construction contractor” for the entire project.
However, Sports Minister John Sidoti said Lendlease was no longer able to meet the government’s requirements to rebuild the stadium on the Moore Park site on budget and on time.
“The project budget for Sydney Football Stadium is $729m which includes stage one [demolition] and stage two [reconstruction] works,” Sidoti said.
“Lendlease’s stage two offer did not meet the government’s expectations so we are looking for another builder in a competitive market.”
The NSW government will rebuild the venue into a 40,000 to 45,000 seat rectangular stadium with substantially improved sightlines, a roof that covers all patrons, with vastly improved amenities, food and beverage options and accessibility.
Lendlease on Friday released a statement saying it was pleased to have “partnered again with Infrastructure NSW on stage one of the Sydney Football Stadium redevelopment project.” It also claimed it was only ever contractually obligated to complete stage one.
“Building social infrastructure in partnership with government is a source of pride for Lendlease and we look forward to supporting future projects,” a Lendlease spokesman said.
Sydney Football Stadium, which was built in 1988 and had a capacity of 45,000, was home to NRL team Sydney Roosters, Super Rugby’s New South Wales Waratahs and the A-League’s Sydney FC. The Roosters have signed a 25-year deal to play at the rebuilt stadium from 2022.
In the last 31 years the stadium has also hosted concerts featuring U2, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran.
Image: Sydney Roosters
