what we thought would kill us - perth arena

CASE STUDY 4: Perth Arena

OCTOBER 2014

Case Study 4: Perth Arena 1

A b o u t t h e C o m m i t t e e f o r P e r t h

The Committee for Perth is a member funded think tank focused on maintaining and improving the

liveability of the Perth metropolitan region by ensuring its vibrancy, economic prosperity, cultural

diversity and sustainability.

We currently have over 100 members representing a broad cross sector of the business community, civic

institutions and local government and rely solely on our members’ financial contribution to enable us to

undertake our work, research and activities. A full membership listing is included at Appendix 2.

The role of the Committee for Perth is to advocate on issues that we believe will help us realise our

vision for Perth and we have developed a unique model of advocacy through which this is achieved.

Regardless of whether a project is our initiative or one implemented by government or others, we

remain informed advocates for projects that we believe will benefit future Perth whatever stage they are

at, be it in concept or development.

Further information about the Committee for Perth and our work can be obtained from our website

at www.committeeforperth.com.au

©This paper is copyright of the Committee for Perth. While we encourage its use, it should be referenced as: (2014) What we thought would kill us: a case study of Perth Arena. The Committee for Perth, Perth.

Committee for Perth Postal:

Office 7, 996 Hay Street PO Box 7117

Perth, WA 6000 Cloisters Square

T: (08) 9481 5699 Perth, WA 6850

F: (08) 9481 7738 www.committeeforperth.com.au

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank VenuesWest for reviewing a draft and providing the images for this report. We would also like to thank members of our Reshaping Working Group for reviewing a draft of this report and providing feedback.

CASE STUDY 4: Perth Arena

2 Committee For Perth Case Study 4: Perth Arena 3

F o r e w o r d

This case study is the fourth in the ‘What we thought would kill us’ series undertaken by the Committee

for Perth. The purpose of this series is to examine some of Perth’s most controversial developments with

the aim of informing the debate for future projects that are big and bold.

This report examines the construction of Perth Arena, a multi-purpose entertainment and sporting arena

in Perth’s city centre which is one of the most hotly debated public projects in recent times.

As a community we railed against the cost blow outs and responded negatively to its design. Yet now

that Perth Arena is open we have visited it in droves, forgotten how much it cost and don’t mind the

building either. Regardless of the path to get the project completed, the experience as a concert goer

or spectator at the tennis or basketball is second to none.

Perth Arena, so controversial during the design and construction phase, is now an important part of

Perth’s sporting and entertainment infrastructure. Let it be a reminder of poor project definition planning

and practice never to be repeated but also a beacon for further bravery.

I hope you enjoy reading about Perth Arena’s journey.

Marion Fulker

CEO, Project Manager

1.0 Introduction 5

2.0 History – The Need for a New Indoor Arena for Perth 8

3.0 Purpose and Key Features 11

3.1 Exterior Design 11

3.2 Place Making Role 12

4.0 The Costs 14

5.0 The Benefits 17

5.1 Findings of Recent Literature 17

5.2 Summary of Perth Arena Benefits 19

5.2.1 Patronage and Revenue 19

5.2.2 Attracting New Events 20

5.2.3 Retaining the Hopman Cup 20

5.2.4 Public Support 21

5.2.5 National and International Recognition 21

5.2.6 Place Making Benefits 21

6.0 Conclusion 23

Appendix 1: Researchers 24

Appendix 2: Committee for Perth Members 25

Appendix 3: References 27

Our reports to date on Hillary’s Boat Harbour, The Evolution of Perth’s Passenger Rail and The Bell Tower

are available on our website at http://www.committeeforperth.com.au/researchSpecialReports2.html

Research Report: ‘What we thought would kill us’ Case Study 4: Perth Arena


1.0 I n t r o d u c t i o n

Perth Arena is a cutting edge, indoor, multipurpose arena owned by VenuesWest on behalf of the State

Government and managed by AEG Ogden.

The Arena was designed by a joint venture team of ARM Architecture and Cameron Chisholm Nicol.

Initial construction began in June 2007 by BGC Construction Group and the venue was officially opened

on 10 November 20121.

Perth Arena is a facility that Perth, as a growing region of nearly 2 million people, needed to deliver the

cultural and sporting amenity that current and future generations expect in a modern and growing city.

It has delivered on multiple fronts. The venue has attracted internationally acclaimed artists and tours to

Perth; it has welcomed more than one million patrons through its doors; its design and construction has

been widely acclaimed; and it has been recognised as one of the world’s top performance venues.

On top of this, Perth Arena has provided an important catalyst for the regeneration of the surrounding

area as a vibrant and mixed use entertainment and retail destination as part of the Perth City Link

project.

The development of Perth Arena is therefore a success story, but it is one marred by considerable

controversy in the lead up to opening its doors.

Perth Arena was controversial for two key reasons: it was over budget and late on delivery. The project

was originally estimated to cost $160 million, however the final completion cost was $558 million, almost

3.5 times the original budget2. Similarly the project was initially earmarked for completion by January

2009 – but did not ultimately open until November 2012.

A 2010 review of the project by the Auditor General identified the primary reasons behind both of these

problems:

• The original budget and timeframes were unrealistic. They were based on insufficient scoping,

planning, costing and analysis. They significantly underestimated the construction costs of the

building and omitted to include substantial costs such as the construction of car parking; the venue

fit out; and the costs of transition to opening.

• The project management and governance arrangements were not sufficient for such a major project

and meant that there was inadequate transparency and oversight, blurred accountability and

inadequate record keeping in the early phases of the project.

• Contractual issues resulted in the State retaining a higher level of risk throughout the project than

intended.

• Major changes to the Arena design were made during contract negotiations without a good

understanding of what this would cost or the impact on the project schedule. This included

changes to the proposed car parking from a multi-storey car park over the railway line to a 650 bay

underground car park, the cost of which was significantly underestimated.

• There were significant uncertainties in the contract3.

1 Department of Treasury, n.d., Perth Arena. Available from: <http://www.treasury.wa.gov.au/cms/content.aspx?id=12740>2 Ibid.3 Murphy C, 2010, The Planning and Management of Perth Arena, Western Australian Auditor General. Available from: <https://audit.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/report2010_01.pdf>

T h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f P e r t h A r e n a i s a s u c c e s s s t o r y,

b u t i t i s o n e m a r r e d b y c o n s i d e r a b l e c o n t r o v e r s y i n

t h e l e a d u p t o o p e n i n g i t s d o o r s .


Collectively these problems generated considerable public criticism. They also resulted in negative

backlash from expectant users such as the Perth Wildcats who expressed concern about the lack of car

parking in the original proposal4 and whose financial viability and season fixtures were reported to be

negatively impacted by delays in the Perth Arena project5.

Changes were made to the project governance in December 2008 with the insertion of the Office of

Strategic Projects and VenuesWest delivering more robust management for the completion of the

project.

The Auditor General’s 2010 report also made various recommendations for agencies involved in the

delivery of capital projects to ensure more rigorous project approval and governance processes for

major capital projects in the future. This included a recommendation for the reinforcement of the role of

the Strategic Asset Management Framework in decision making, including the need for the preparation

of robust business cases (including reliable cost estimates) for capital projects. The recommendations

were widely supported by the government agencies involved6.

It is further noted that the need for more rigorous and transparent analysis of the costs and benefits of

infrastructure projects in Australia has been highlighted by the Productivity Commission in its recently

released Inquiry into Public Infrastructure and is something that could prevent the recurrence of

problems experienced during the Perth Arena project in the future7.

These problems ultimately meant that Perth Arena cost taxpayers more than originally intended and

took longer to complete. It also meant that the project and venue attracted more public scrutiny and

criticism than may have otherwise occurred. As a result the Perth Arena needed to overcome negative

perceptions in order to build public support following its opening.

But it has. Today, less than two years after its opening, there is ample evidence that Perth Arena has

become an integral and strongly supported component of Perth’s entertainment, cultural and sporting

landscape and its bold and imaginative design have delivered the potential for the facility to become

one of Perth’s most iconic buildings and landmark destinations.

There is also evidence to suggest that while the cost of the venue was significant, the total cost is

reasonably comparable with the cost of development and projected costs of other major multifunctional

indoor stadium projects elsewhere in the world, particularly those that have placed a significant

emphasis on achieving a high quality design outcome.

Furthermore, international and local evidence indicates that the venue is likely to be delivering

significant benefits to the Western Australian economy, and to the national and international profile of

the Perth region. While this report does not aim to quantify these benefits, it is very broadly estimated

that they are likely to exceed $200 million per annum.

Therefore, while the problems associated with the development of Perth Arena arose from poor practice

by government who have now implemented the Strategic Projects Division (Department of Treasury) and

strengthened processes so that similar problems are not repeated in the future, the ultimate outcome is

very positive and Perth Arena is a facility that all Western Australians should be proud of.

This report examines the controversy, costs and final outcomes of the Perth Arena project. It has been

prepared using publically available published data. It is noted that VenuesWest were approached by

the Committee for Perth and provided with an opportunity to provide more detailed and up to date

information regarding the costs and benefits of the Perth Arena project for inclusion in this report,

however this offer was declined for commercial in confidence reasons.

4 Foreman G, 2011, Wildcats owners says Perth Arena will change basketball, Perth Now April 20, 2011. Available from: <http://www.perthnow.com.au> 5 Mullany A, 2012, Perth Wildcats prowling over Perth Arena opening, Perth Now March 8, 2012. Available from: <http://www.perthnow.com.au> 6 Ibid7 Productivity Commission, 2014, Public Infrastructure, Inquiry Report No. 71, Canberra.

P e r t h A r e n a i s a n e s s e n t i a l a n d l o n g o v e r d u e p i e c e o f

c u l t u r a l , e n t e r t a i n m e n t a n d s p o r t i n g i n f r a s t r u c t u r e

f o r P e r t h .


2.0 H i s t o r y – T h e N e e d f o r a N e w I n d o o r A r e n a f o r P e r t h

In 1974 Perth, then a city of approximately 800,000 people, celebrated the opening of the Perth

Entertainment Centre. The Perth Entertainment Centre was an indoor arena and cinema complex with

seating capacity for just over 8,000 people and was the first purpose built indoor arena in Australia8.

The completion of the Perth Entertainment Centre was an Australian first and heralded a new era of

entertainment for Perth, hosting many of the world’s most prominent twentieth century entertainers and

attracting international events to the city, including the 1979 Miss Universe Pagent9.

Prior to the development of the Perth Entertainment Centre, big tents were used to accommodate

shows like the Great Moscow Circus and Disney on Parade10 and when large rock tours started visiting

Australia in the early 1970’s they were mainly staged in outdoor venues, which had obvious shortcomings

like poor acoustics and being open to the weather11.

But the development of the Perth Entertainment Centre was not without controversy. Championed

by the late Brian Treasure, then General Manager at Perth television station TW7 and theatrical

entrepreneur Michael Edgley, the venue was forecast to cost $5 million, but its construction coincided

with a period of intense industrial action12.

Delays and interruptions, including strike action which was timed to coincide with concrete pours, led

to a cost blow-out. The final cost was $8.3 million (the equivalent of $62 million in 2013) and interest

charges put financial pressure on the venture leading to a State Government take-over of the building in

197513.

The Perth Entertainment Centre remained Perth’s primary large concert venue until its closure in 2002, by

which time Perth’s population had nearly doubled to more than 1.55 million people. This left the region

with just one major indoor stadium, the Burswood Dome.

Constructed in 1987 as a multipurpose indoor sports stadium and opened in 1988, Burswood Dome had

a maximum capacity of approximately 20,000 and was privately owned. When opened, Burswood Dome

was the largest indoor auditorium in the southern hemisphere14.

Burswood Dome was a critical infrastructure asset for Perth. It enabled the region to attract major

artists and events with capacity requirements exceeding that of the Perth Entertainment Centre. It

was, however, dogged by complaints of poor acoustics and sightlines, delivering a low level visitor

experience, parking difficulties and design problems15.

In 2005 the loss making and ageing stadium was earmarked for demolition to make way for car parking

and to facilitate the broader redevelopment of Burswood Peninsula to incorporate residential uses – a

move that was to see Perth without a major indoor sports or performing arts arena.

As a result, the then State Government negotiated with Burswood to retain the Dome until after the

completion of a new stadium venue for Perth – then foreseen to be completed in 2007.

The Burswood Dome remained Perth’s only indoor stadium until the opening of Perth Arena in

December 2012, and was finally deflated and demolished in May 2013, with the facility’s original

designers apparently surprised that the structures fibre glass air pressurised roof, had survived so long:

“They thought it had a certain life span, and the people who designed that roof are quite

amazed at how long it has lasted,” WA Sports Minister Mr Terry Waldron was quoted as

saying on the closing of the facility16.

In this context Perth Arena is an essential and long overdue piece of cultural, entertainment and sporting

infrastructure for Perth. Without it, Perth, the capital city with the fastest growing population in Australia

would have been likely to endure a significant period of time without a major indoor concert and sports

venue – while other Australian cities are home to some of the finest indoor stadiums in the world.

8 Sapienza J, 2010b, ‘What will become of the Perth Entertainment Centre?’ WAtoday 22 February. Available from: <http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/what-will-become-of-the-perth-entertainment-centre-20100219-oli3.html> 9 Ibid10 Ibid11 Randwick Racecourse 1973. Available from: <http://sladestory.blogspot.co.nz/1973/01/randwick-racecourse-sydney-australia.html>12 Sapienza J, 2010b, ‘What will become of the Perth Entertainment Centre?’ WAtoday 22 February, 2010. Available from: <http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/what-will-become-of-the-perth-entertainment-centre-20100219-oli3.html>

13 Wikipedia, n.d., Perth Entertainment Centre. Available from: <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perth_Entertainment_Centre> 14 Austadiums, 2013, Burswood Dome. Available from: < http://www.austadiums.com/stadiums/stadiums.php?id=24> 15 Sharp C, 2007, Burswood Dome Deflated and Doomed. Available from: <http://3degree.ecu.edu.au/articles/105> 16 AAP, 2013, Burswood Dome Reaches End of the Road. The Australian May 31, 2013. Available from: <http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/burswood-dome-reaches-end-of-the-road/story-fn3dxiwe-1226654403027>


3.0 P u r p o s e a n d K e y F e a t u r e s

The primary objective of the Perth Arena project was to construct a world-class multi-purpose indoor

entertainment facility capable of attracting international, high profile events17.

Perth Arena can cater to 13,910 spectators for tennis events, 14,846 for basketball and a maximum

of 15,500 for concerts. Permanent user groups of this facility include both the Hopman Cup tennis

tournament and the Perth Wildcats basketball team18.

Key features of the facility include a retractable roof allowing events to be held in natural light or

under the stars, a number of catering, merchandise and beverage outlets, 5 function rooms, 36 luxury,

corporate VIP suites and a 680 bay underground car park19. Touring trucks are able to drive directly on to

the arena floor20.

The venue boasts state of the art acoustics and staging facilities which provide a flexible configuration

making it suitable for a wide range of events. For example, a stage at the northern end of the venue

enables it to host large concerts; a curtain system allows the space to be partitioned off to cater for

smaller crowds; a permanent tennis court can be covered with an interlocking basketball court or

seating; and the venue has broadcast quality lighting21.

The venue’s interior spaces are highly variable and have been designed to express an individual identity

through unique spatial qualities, colour and finishes – featuring Western Australian materials like

blackbutt timber, anodised aluminium and Kimberley black granite22.

Sustainability is also an important feature of the design. Perth Arena incorporates features such as solar

power (one of the largest photovoltaic arrays in Western Australia), AAA hydraulic fixtures, low energy

and natural lighting, and an efficient air conditioning system which makes Perth Arena one of the most

energy efficient and sustainable buildings of its genre23.

3.1 Exterior Design

One of the most striking features of Perth Arena is its bold and imaginative design. This heralds a

new approach for Perth - where a modest approach has generally been taken to the design of public

buildings24.

According to ARM Architects, the design strategy for Perth Arena was to provide a core, multi-functional

arena without compromise and surround it with variable circulation and configuration – significantly

differentiating it from other buildings of this type:

“Most venues of this type provide continuous repetitive spaces around the core function. We

have explored this building typology another way. Instead of a singular facade we have created

extreme variability, giving the building a different face from every angle. Whether approaching

from the elevated freeway to the west, the grand boulevard to the south, the railway lines on

the north or new urban developments to the east, every facade presents a new dynamic.

The striking design was inspired by the 12-sided Round House in Fremantle and the 209

irregular shaped pieces of Christopher Monckton’s Eternity Puzzle. The luminous Yves Klein

blue facade continues through the interior and is complemented by vast, light-filled spaces and

warm timber panelling”25.

The construction was reported to be one of the most complex steel building construction projects ever

undertaken in Australia26.

O n e o f t h e m o s t s t r i k i n g f e a t u r e s o f P e r t h A r e n a i s

i t s b o l d a n d i m a g i n a t i v e d e s i g n .


3.2 Place Making Role

Located on Wellington Street in Perth CBD, Perth Arena is one of the first completed components of the

Perth City Link project, a 13.5 hectare urban renewal project in the heart of Perth. City Link primarily involves

the sinking of public transport infrastructure in the centre of Perth and the redevelopment of land above

and immediately adjacent – creating new and exciting public spaces and connecting the Perth CBD with the

region’s entertainment district in Northbridge for the first time in more than 100 years27.

The incorporation of Perth Arena and surrounds into the City Link project means that Perth Arena will not be

an isolated piece of infrastructure but a premier destination for Perth. It will ultimately be part of a vibrant,

mixed-use plaza and will form part of a chain of cultural assets and high quality public spaces linking the

entertainment and cultural heart of the city in Northbridge with the Central Business District28.

17 Murphy C, 2010, The Planning and Management of Perth Arena, Western Australian Auditor General. Available from: <https://audit.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/report2010_01.pdf>18 ArchDaily, 2012, Perth Arena ARM Architecture + CCN, <http://www.archdaily.com/347615/perth-arena-arm-architecture-ccn/>19 Perth Arena, 2014, Perth Arena Facts. Available from: <http://www.pertharena.com.au/About_Perth_Arena/Perth%20Arena%20Facts.aspx> 20 ArchDaily, 2012, Perth Arena ARM Architecture + CCN, <http://www.archdaily.com/347615/perth-arena-arm-architecture-ccn/>21 Ibid.22 Ibid.23 ArchDaily, 2012, Perth Arena ARM Architecture + CCN, <http://www.archdaily.com/347615/perth-arena-arm-architecture-ccn/>24 Landry C, 2007, We deserve a city that fires up the imagination, published by the West Australian. Available from Form 20: <http://archived.form.net.au/creative-capital/thought-leadership/charles-landry>25 ARM Architure, n.d., Perth Arena. Available from: <http://www.a-r-m.com.au/projects_PerthArena.html>26 ArchDaily, 2012, Perth Arena ARM Architecture + CCN, <http://www.archdaily.com/347615/perth-arena-arm-architecture-ccn/>27 Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority, n.d., City Link Project. Available from: <http://www.mra.wa.gov.au/Projects/Perth-City-Link/Precincts/The-Arena/> 28 Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority, n.d., City Link Project. Available from: <http://www.mra.wa.gov.au/Projects/Perth-City-Link/Precincts/The-Arena/>

A t $ 5 5 8 m i l l i o n P e r t h A r e n a i s c l e a r l y a n e x p e n s i v e

p i e c e o f i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , c o s t i n g f a r m o r e t h a n t h e

o r i g i n a l e s t i m a t e o f $ 1 6 0 m i l l i o n .


4.0 T h e C o s t s

At $558 million Perth Arena is clearly an expensive piece of infrastructure, costing far more than the original

estimate of $160 million. However it has been well established that this estimate was unrealistic29. In this

context, this report benchmarks the actual construction costs for Perth Arena with the cost and projected

costs of constructing indoor arenas elsewhere in the world. This considers arenas with a similar capacity and

function as Perth Arena that have been planned and constructed in recent years or which are currently under

construction.

Table 1: International Stadiums Development Cost Comparison

Arena City FunctionMax. Capacity

Opening Year

Construction Period

Total Cost $ AUD (2014 value)

Development Cost Per Seat $AUD

Perth Arena

Perth Multipurpose entertainment and sporting arena

15,500 2012 5 Years $562.14 (2013 value)

$36,267

Barclays Center30

Brooklyn NY Multi-functional sporting/concert with basketball as primary use

18,000 2010 2 Years $685.46 million

$38,081

Royal Arena31

Copenhagen Multi-functional sporting/concert

15,000 2016 (projected)

3 Years (projected)

$200 million

$13,333

Amway Center32

Orlando Florida

Multi-functional sporting/concert with basketball as primary use

18,846 2010 2 Years $558.49 million

$29,634

Time Warner Cable Arena33

Charlotte North Carolina

Multi-functional sporting/concert with basketball as primary use

20,000 2005 2 Years $337.89 million

$16,894

Rogers Place34

Edmonton Alberta

Multi-functional with ice hockey as primary use

20,734 2016 (Projected)

2 Years (projected)

$516.52 million

$24,912

Sonic Arena35

Seattle Multi-functional sporting concert with basketball as primary use

19,000 Not published

Not published

$527.28 million

$27,752

02 World36

Berlin Multi-functional sporting concert with basketball and ice hockey as primary use

20,000 2008 2 Years $347.7 million

$17,385

This comparison indicates that the cost of Perth Arena was high, however it is not the most costly facility of

this type recently developed. The total cost of the project was reasonably comparable with other recently

planned and developed facilities of this type, particularly the development cost of other centres that

have placed a strong emphasis on design, such as the Barclays Center in New York and Amway Center in

Florida.

In the context of Perth’s high labour and materials costs over the construction period it is evident that

the final cost of the Arena is likely to reflect a number of variables including the lack of project definition

planning at the commencement of the project, the quality of the design, the complexity of construction

and the economic conditions at the time of the project’s development. However it is evident that the

development timeframe was significantly longer than the usual development timeframe for a building of

this genre.

Other costs associated with Perth Arena include pre-opening costs and running costs. The operation of

the venue has generated some wider costs such as costs associated with traffic movements/congestion

generated by the centre. While there are some figures available regarding the operating and pre-opening

costs of the Perth Arena, external costs such as traffic generation have not been assessed or quantified.

The cost of continued maintenance of the Perth Arena facility between its opening in November 2012 and

the end of June 2013 can be estimated using data from the VenuesWest Annual Report for that period,

in which the net cash used in operating activities was $12.005 million37. As the Perth Arena patronage

represented 17.33% of the total amount of VenuesWest facility patronage (section 4.1.2)38, it can be

estimated that the cost of running the facility would be approximately $2.080 million per seven to eight

month period - between $260,000 and 297,000 monthly and $3.1 to $3.56 million annually.

Pre-opening costs of the Perth Arena facility for VenuesWest in 2012 were $650,000 and in 2013 were

$420,00039.

29 Murphy C, 2010, The Planning and Management of Perth Arena, Western Australian Auditor General. Available from: <https://audit.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/report2010_01.pdf> 30 Barclays Center, 2014. Available from: <http://www.barclayscenter.com/> and <http://basketball.ballparks.com/NBA/BrooklynNets/>31 Arena CPHX, n.d., Royal Arena. Available from: <http://www.copenhagen-arena.dk/en/Pages/default.aspx>32 Amway Centre, 2014. Available from: <http://www.amwaycenter.com/> 33 Time Warner Cable Arena, 2014. Available from: < http://www.timewarnercablearena.com/timewarner/> 34 Rogers Place, 2014. Available from: <http://www.rogersplace.com/> 35 Sonics Arena, 2014. Available from: < http://www.sonicsarena.com/info/summary-sonics-arena> 36 AEG, 2014, O2 World Berlin. Available from: < http://www.o2world-berlin.de/> 37 VenuesWest, 2013, Annual Report 2012-13. Available from: <http://www.venueswest.wa.gov.au/media/195689/131010-vw_annual_report-including-cover_ver_03_low.pdf> 38 VenuesWest, 2013, Annual Report 2012-13. Available from: <http://www.venueswest.wa.gov.au/media/195689/131010-vw_annual_report-including-cover_ver_03_low.pdf> 39 VenuesWest, 2013, Annual Report 2012-13. Available from: <http://www.venueswest.wa.gov.au/media/195689/131010-vw_annual_report-including-cover_ver_03_low.pdf>


5.0 T h e B e n e f i t s

While a detailed economic benefit analysis of Perth Arena has not yet been undertaken, it is evident that

the venue is delivering significant benefits to the community and the economy and will continue to do so

into the future.

5.1 Findings of Recent Literature

Internationally, indoor sporting, cultural and entertainment facilities like Perth Arena have been found to

provide a wide range of benefits to the community.

These include important social benefits like the creation of civic pride, building a strong local identity,

generating positive publicity and enabling the city to attract and enjoy a wider variety and higher quality

recreation and entertainment options – as well as economic benefits ranging from the generation of

employment; to revenue generated from ticket sales, catering and merchandise; the generation of retail

and hospitality spending; and the attraction of tourists to the region. A summary of these benefits is

provided below.

Table 2. An overview of economic and social benefits provided by sporting and entertainment facilities40 41.

Economic: Social:

Creation of employment, through the construction of such facilities and continued maintenance and operation.

Creation of civic pride for local residents, through attraction and retention of local sporting teams.

Increased local tourism and therefore spending through attraction of high profile events.

Higher levels of national and international publicity through coverage of high profile events.

Revenue created through sale of tickets, catering, merchandise and provision of corporate facilities.

Increased competitiveness and a greater ability to attract a wider variety of events and entertainment options.

The revenue generated can have a ‘multiplier effect’ in which additional revenue spurs new investment.

Possibility of increasing happiness of the population through larger varieties of recreational activity.

Although most facility specific reviews agree on the provision of these benefits, the degree and

importance of each variable and their economic benefits has been a topic of debate. However, despite

some dissent among researchers42, it is generally agreed that sporting and entertainment arenas do deliver

significant direct and indirect benefits to the economy and, internationally, models have been developed

for assessing both the direct and indirect economic benefits generated.

40 Ranbury, 2011, Sunshine Coast Entertainment, Convention and Exhibition Centre Feasibility Report. Available from: <http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/addfiles/documents/projects/entertainment%20convention%20and%20exhibition%20centre/feasibility_report_oct_2011%20.pdf>41 Swindell D & Robsetraub MS, 1998, Who Benefits from the Presence of Professional Sports Teams? The Implications for Public Funding of Stadiums and Arenas, Public Administration Review, vol. 58, no.1, pp.11-20. Available from: JSTOR42 It is noted that economic scholar Baade has undertaken work which concluded that sports stadiums deliver no significant economic impact Baade RA, 1994, Stadiums, Professional Sports, and Economic Development: Assessing the Reality.

T h e v e n u e i s d e l i v e r i n g s i g n i f i c a n t b e n e f i t s t o t h e

c o m m u n i t y a n d t h e e c o n o m y a n d w i l l c o n t i n u e t o d o

s o i n t o t h e f u t u r e .


For example, an overview of net economic benefits delivered by the Bradley Center, an indoor arena

in Milwaukee, undertaken in 2012 by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC)

estimates that the centre, which generated ticket sales of 1.6 million in a year, produced a gross

economic impact of US$204.5 million43.

This included direct revenue generated by the centre of US$95.8 million plus indirect spending

generated in the local economy (the multiplier effect). For example the venue is estimated to support

2,350 jobs and generate US$73.1 million in annual payroll. The Centre was also found to deliver

additional intangible benefits, such as enhancing the economic attractiveness of the area by providing a

greater choice of entertainment options44.

Looking at a local example, a recent feasibility report for the proposed Sunshine Coast Entertainment,

Convention and Exhibition Centre identified costs of $248.6 million for construction capital expenditure

and $212.2 million for professional services and goods and services, while net total benefits were

estimated at $732.9 million45.

This included direct and indirect revenues generated by construction and professional firms,

government revenue, utility of patrons, business revenue and increased visitor spending. The Sunshine

Coast Entertainment Convention and Exhibition Centre is also expected to deliver less tangible

social growth benefits by providing community access to a world-class entertainment, convention and

exhibition centre46.

These types of benefits have also been assessed by the Barclays Centre Arena in New York, with the

centre management estimating that the venue delivered US$251 million in economic benefits in its first

year of operation47.

Similarly an assessment of the proposed Sonics Arena in Seattle estimates that the centre will deliver

an annual net economic benefit of US$230 to US$286 million, while it would generate a once-off

construction benefit of US$533 million. This includes both direct and indirect economic benefits of the

facility including revenue, spending, jobs, taxation revenue, and offsite spending generated by patrons

and visitors48.

An additional example is an independent assessment of the O2 Arena in London, a £600 million arena

and entertainment complex within the existing Millennium Dome which estimated that the arena

generates £405 million a year in social and economic benefits for the regional economy49.

Based on the assessments above, while a detailed assessment of the potential economic benefits of

Perth Arena has not been undertaken it is considered likely that, if fully assessed, the economic benefits

of Perth Arena to the Western Australian economy is estimated to be in excess of $200 million per

annum.

This is supported by the fact that an economic assessment of the Hopman Cup estimated that this event

alone generates economic benefits of $132 million in value to Western Australia50.

43 Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, 2012, Economic Impact of the Bradley Center. Available from: <http://bradleycenter.s3.amazonaws.com/doc/MMAC_Bradley_Center_Analysis_Mar_2012.pdf> 44 Ibid45 Ranbury, 2011, Sunshine Coast Entertainment, Convention and Exhibition Centre Feasibility Report. Available from: <http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/addfiles/documents/projects/entertainment%20convention%20and%20exhibition%20centre/feasibility_report_oct_2011%20.pdf> 46 Ibid.47 Furman P,2013, Barclays Centre at Year 1: A true Brooklyn Success Story, New York Daily News 22 September, 2013. Available from: <http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/barclays-1-year-article-1.1460150>48 ProForma Advisors LLC, 2013, Sonics Arena. Available from: < http://www.sonicsarena.com/info/summary-sonics-arena> 49 Stadia, 2014, O2 Gives London 405 million cash boost. Available from: <http://www.stadia- magazine.com/news.php?NewsID=29380>50 Tourism Western Australia, 2013, Annual Report 2012/13. Available from: <http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/Publications%20Library/Executive%20Services/Tourism%20WA%20Annual%20Report%202012%20-%202013.pdf>

5.2 Summary of Perth Arena Benefits

Based on international research as well as publically available information regarding the direct economic

benefits of Perth Arena to date, it is possible to quantify some of the economic benefits generated by

Perth Arena.

Table 3. Benefits delivered to Perth region following completion of the Perth Arena.

Benefits: Perth Arena Performance to date:

Revenue from ticket sales and corporate events. Estimated to be between $6.6-$7.6 million annually with an operating profit between $3.5 and $4 million.

Other revenue (on-site expenditure). Not available.

Attraction of new events. Significant benefit (see outline below).

Contributions to non-for-profit organisations. Significant – Perth Arena has a number of charity partners including Radio Lollipop, The Salvation Army, Food Rescue, Mondo Community Warriors and Leukaemia Foundation.

Attraction of tourists/visitors into the City of Perth and into the Perth region from elsewhere and further spending input into the Perth economy as a result.

Annual patronage of approximately 975,156 people, with a high proportion likely to have been attracted to the CBD by the Perth Arena. This will generate significant spending both at the venue and in establishments outside the venue.

It is also noted that, in its first year of operation 4.41% of ticket purchasers quoted a postcode from interstate or overseas51 , indicating that the venue has been successful in attracting visitors to the State.

Creation of employment from construction of Perth Arena.

Not available.

Employment of facility staff. Perth Arena employs 50 full time and 2,000 casual staff.

Increased publicity both nationally and internationally.

Positive publicity has been generated through the awarding of architectural and construction awards as well as recognition of the venue in international ratings such as the ratings by music magazine Pollstar.

5.2.1 Patronage and Revenue

The Perth Arena patronage figure between 2012 and 2013 was 575,036 people, which

represents 17.33% of all patronage across VenuesWest facilities52.

Total revenue received across all VenuesWest facilities in 2013 was $25.367 million. From these

figures, estimation of revenue from the Perth Arena facility is approximately $4.396 million for

the seven to eight month period from November 2012 to end of June 201353.

Assuming this performance is maintained, the venue would be likely to attract between 860,000

and 990,000 visitors annually and generate an income between approximately $6.6 and $7.6

million and an annual operating profit of between $3.5 and $4 million.

This estimate is supported by figures released following the venue’s first full year of operation

which indicated that the venue hosted 90 ticketed events and 103 corporate events with a total

of 975,156 people through the doors54.

51 Statistic provided by VenuesWest, 2014.52 VenuesWest, 2013, Annual Report 2012-13. Available from: <http://www.venueswest.wa.gov.au/media/195689/131010-vw_annual_report-including-cover_ver_03_low.pdf> 53 Ibid.54 Waldron T, 2013, Media Release, Perth Arena celebrates 1st birthday with Beyonce. Available from: <http://www.nationalswa.com/News/MediaReleases/tabid/83/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/ 3162/Perth-Arena-celebrates-1st-birthday-with-Beyonce.aspx>


It is also supported by the estimates made by the Auditor General of an operating profit

of between $3.1 and $3.9 million per annum and a statement made by VenuesWest chief

executive, David Etherton before opening who expected the Arena to turn an operational

profit of $4.5 million on an annual basis55. It is also noted that patronage at reported levels

places Perth Arena among the most well attended indoor arena venues worldwide56.

5.2.2 Attracting New Events

Since the opening of Perth Arena the Perth region has welcomed a new era of access to

international concert tours and the world’s best entertainers.

In 2013 eight of the world’s top ten concert tours visited Perth and the venue has attracted

and continues to attract major international artists including Elton John, Beyonce, Bruce

Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, Jennifer Lopez, Kiss, Neil Young,

Black Sabbath, Miley Cyrus, P!nk, Rihanna, One Direction, Muse, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj,

Bruno Mars, Robbie Williams and Bon Jovi57.

There is no doubt that the availability of a world class performance venue has been central to

attracting these tours and artists to Perth. The venue has also received significant praise from

prominent artists and sports stars who have played at the Arena.

Before his performance on the opening night of Perth Arena Sir Elton John expressed “we are

looking forward to seeing the city come out in force to celebrate this stunning new building”

while during his performance said “…We are so proud to be a part of this building. We’ll be

back to your beautiful city Perth…”58.

Other sentiments include “… I love this building” from Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty) and

that the venue is “absolutely incredible. The sound is superb” from The Script. Following

the Hopman Cup the Arena has been described as having ideal playing conditions by Novak

Djokovic, and the best venue ever played by Bernard Tomic59.

5.2.3 Retaining the Hopman Cup

Completion of the Perth Arena has been a key factor in ensuring the Hopman Cup stays in

Western Australia, as there was some speculation the event would be moved following a

change in managerial rights. General Manager of the Hopman Cup Andrew Firman said, “the

event was born and bred in WA and courtesy of this new Perth Arena we look set to be here for

a very long time to come”, confirming the influence Perth Arena has had in keeping the event

in Perth60. Tourism Minister Liza Harvey has recently announced a three year extension with a

two year option for Hopman Cup.

The 2013 Hopman Cup was the first time the event was held in the Perth Arena and it

achieved record attendance figures, attracting a total of 104,468 people61. This event alone

was calculated to have delivered $132 million in benefits for Western Australia, which would

significantly contribute to economic gains from the tourism industry62.

It is also evident from the review of the benefits of indoor arenas internationally that the availability and presence of sporting events have also been found to increase levels of civic pride within a community. Combining these factors it is evident that the Hopman Cup is an important event for Western Australia, both economically and socially and has the potential to

have a positive impact on tourism in the State.

55 Etheron cited in Sapienza J, 2010, Perth Arena to ensure Holman Cup stays in WA, WAtoday 20 April, 2010. Available from: <http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/perth-arena-to-ensure-hopman-cup-stays-in-wa-20100420-srev.html> 56 Pollstar, 2013, Worldwide Ticket Sales Top 200 Arena Venues, available from: <http://www.sprintcenter.com/news/detail/sprint-center-ends-2013-as-eighth-busiest-arena-in-america>57 Perth Arena, 2014, Events. Available from: <http://www.pertharena.com.au/Event_Calendar.aspx> 58 Chugg Entertainment, n.d., Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Rocket Man – Elton John Under the Stars – Opens Perth Arena on Saturday 10 November. Available from: <http://www.chuggentertainment.com/tour/446/Elton+John+> 59 Perth Arena, 2014, Six Months at Perth Arena. Available from: <http://www.pertharena.com.au/About_Perth_Arena/Latest_News/Six%20Months%20at%20Perth%20Arena.aspx>

5.2.4 Public Support

It is becoming clear that while public opinion regarding Perth Arena was significantly affected

by the controversy surrounding its development, in the nearly two years since opening

sentiment has significantly shifted and today there is strong and growing support for the Arena.

This is reflected not only in strong ticket sales, including record attendee figures for events

like the Hopman Cup and the Perth Wild Cats 2013-14 Grand Final, it is evident in the venue’s

strong following on social media. Perth Arena has achieved a 4.3 star Facebook rating;

more than 42,000 likes; and more than 211,000 Facebook visitors63. It has also attracted

approximately 14,000 Twitter followers64.

5.2.5 National and International Recognition

Perth Arena received numerous national and international accolades in its first year of opening.

In particular the building was the recipient of the Sir Zelman Cowan Award for best public

building at the 2013 National Architecture Awards, a landmark achievement for Perth, and only

the second Western Australian building to gain this honour.

In 2013 the venue was also ranked No. 22 in the world’s top 200 venues by respected live music

industry magazine Pollstar – rating above iconic international venues like New York’s Madison

Square Garden (23) and London’s Wembley Arena (30). It was also placed eighth in the world by

venue industry publication Venues Today, based on activity for venues with a capacity of 15,000-

30,00065.

Perth Arena also received numerous architectural and construction awards including:

• The George Temple Poole Award for WA’s Best Building

• The Award for Public Architecture

• The Award for Steel Architecture

• An Interior Architecture Award

• Best Public Use Building (Master Builder Excellence in Construction)66

5.2.6 Place Making Benefits

In addition to and perhaps above all of the benefits outlined above, Perth Arena has the

capacity to become a landmark building for Perth. It’s bold and striking design and inclusion in

the City Link project means that in the future Perth Arena and the future Arena Plaza together

are likely to become one of Perth’s most internationally recognisable and iconic destinations67.

Furthermore, love or loathe the design of it, the capacity to develop the area surrounding the

building as a vibrant public space has been enabled by the exterior design of the building

which, unlike traditional stadium designs, provides a high quality backdrop to surrounding

public spaces by delivering a variable façade at a more human scale - encouraging activity

around the building rather than repelling it with an overly utilitarian and imposing exterior.

60 Firman cited in Sapienza J, 2010, Perth Arena to ensure Holman Cup stays in WA, WAtoday 20 April, 2010. Available from: <http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/perth-arena-to-ensure-hopman-cup-stays-in-wa-20100420-srev.html>61 Tourism Western Australia, 2013, Annual Report 2012/13. Available from: <http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/Publications%20Library/Executive%20Services/Tourism%20WA%20Annual%20Report%202012%20-%202013.pdf> 62 Ibid.63 Facebook, 2014, Perth Arena. Available from: <https://www.facebook.com/pertharena> 64 Twitter, 2014. Available from: <https://twitter.com/PerthArena> 65 Perth Arena, 2013, Media Release. Available from: <http://www.pertharena.com.au/About_Perth_Arena/Latest_News/Perth%20Arena%20ranked%20among%20worlds%20best.aspx>66 Perth Arena, 2014, Media Release. Available from: <http://www.pertharena.com.au/About_Perth_Arena/Latest_News/AWARD%20WINNING%20VENUE.aspx> 67 Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority, n.d., City Link Project. Available from: <http://www.mra.wa.gov.au/Projects/Perth-City-Link/Precincts/The-Arena/>


6.0 C o n c l u s i o n

Perth Arena marks a new era for Perth as a city with an internationally recognised high quality sporting

and entertainment facility.

Perth Arena was a contentious and poorly managed public project, but the outcome has been very

positive. Perth Arena is and will continue to bring many tangible and intangible benefits to Perth, from

the attraction of more and better quality international productions, to the retention of key events on the

State’s sporting calendar such as the Hopman Cup.

This report does not quantify these benefits, but it is broadly estimated based on international research

that they would be valued in excess of $200 million per annum. Ensuring the Hopman Cup remains

in Western Australia alone will continue to deliver a $132 million per annum injection into the State’s

economy.

Therefore, while it is clear that future governments must learn from the mistakes of the Perth Arena

project, they should not be deterred by them – the benefits for Perth and Western Australia from

projects of this nature are central to building an attractive, vibrant and internationally competitive city

and State.

P e r t h A r e n a m a r k s a n e w e r a f o r P e r t h a s a c i t y w i t h

a n i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y r e c o g n i s e d h i g h q u a l i t y s p o r t i n g

a n d e n t e r t a i n m e n t f a c i l i t y.


A p p e n d i x 1 : R e s e a r c h e r s

Researchers

Gemma Davis

Gemma Davis is a contract research consultant to the Committee for Perth. She holds an Honours degree

in Urban and Regional Planning. She has over 16 years of experience in research, strategic planning, policy

development and urban planning in Australia, Ireland and New Zealand in private and public roles.

Georgia Harford-Mil ls

Georgia Harford-Mills is a Research Officer with the Committee for Perth, joining the organisation in 2014.

She holds a degree in Geography from the University of Western Australia and is currently working towards

completion of Honours in Urban and Regional Planning.

A p p e n d i x 2 : C o m m i t t e e f o r P e r t h M e m b e r s h i p

Research work commissioned by the Committee for Perth is funded entirely through the contribution of our

members, and we acknowledge:

Foundation Members

Corporate Members

nsight


Executive Members

Aurizon Norman Disney & Young

BP Development Australia Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

Clough Limited PricewaterhouseCoopers

Corrs Chambers Westgarth RPS

Crown Perth RSM Bird Cameron

Georgiou Santos

Hawaiian St Ives Group Pty Ltd

Hyatt Regency Perth Telstra

Leighton Properties Pty Ltd The Brand Agency

Mirvac WorleyParsons

Monadelphous Group

Business Members

APP Corporation Jackson McDonald

ARUP Pty Ltd Jacobs SKM

Ashurst JOHNSTAFF (WA) Pty Ltd

Atlas Iron Limited Jones Lang LaSalle

Australand Holdings Ltd Lester Group Pty Ltd

Bristow Helicopters Australia Marketforce

Built Mermaid Marine

Cedar Woods Properties Limited Navitas Ltd

Churchill Consulting North West Shelf Venture

CJD Equipment Pty Ltd Peet Limited

Clarity Communications Perron Group

Clifford Chance Perth Energy Pty Ltd

Colliers International Programmed Group

Cox Howlett & Bailey Woodland Property Development Management

DEXUS Property Group Sheffield Property

DBNGP (WA) Nominees Southern Cross Austereo

Downer Australia St John of God Health Care

Finbar Group Stockland

FJM Property TPG – Town Planning Urban Design & Heritage

Emeco International Pty Ltd Transfield Services (Australia) Pty Ltd

Gold Corporation Urbis Pty Ltd

Hames Sharley West Coast Eagles Football Club

HASSELL Western Australian Cricket Association

Holman Fenwick Willan WSP

Local Government Members

City of Canning City of Perth

City of Fremantle City of South Perth

City of Gosnells City of Subiaco

City of Melville City of Wanneroo

A p p e n d i x 3 : R e f e r e n c e s

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