Master plan for Canberra’s Bruce precinct criticized in Australia
A 138-page master plan for the development of Canberra’s Bruce precinct in Australia has been presented, outlining two possible options for the location of a new Canberra Stadium. The document, prepared by consulting firms Hatch and Stantec, was criticized by independent Australian Capital Territory senator David Pocock, ABC News Australia reports.
The Bruce precinct is located about a 15-minute drive from Canberra’s central business district. It includes North Canberra Hospital, the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra Stadium, the Canberra Institute of Technology campus, as well as medium- and high-density residential development.
Concerns about the plan and funding
Pocock called the document “a plan to prepare a plan.” According to him, it lacks a detailed business case or implementation plan, does not resolve land issues between the federal authorities and the Australian Capital Territory government, and does not provide project costs or a timetable for their implementation.
Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr rejected suggestions that the entire federal funding package of A$10 million had been allocated to prepare the master plan. According to him, the report itself cost about A$4 million, while another A$6 million has already been allocated for stadium upgrades.
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These funds are to be used for a complete replacement of the playing field lighting and upgrades to the arena’s public areas, including restrooms, spectator seating and lifts in the stands.
Two options for the stadium
The master plan proposes building a new Canberra Stadium either on the current site or on the Canberra Institute of Technology campus. The document does not identify a preferred option. Barr said that a decision on the location could be made at the end of this decade, while construction could begin in the 2030s.
The territory’s head of government stressed that sports facilities are not the precinct’s main infrastructure priority. He named healthcare, education, housing and transport as the priority areas. Separately, the federal authorities have already allocated A$250 million for accommodation facilities at the Australian Institute of Sport, a sports dome and a new training centre.
