HOPMAN TO STAY IN PERTH AFTER DOME KNOCKING DOWN

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Premier Alan Carpenter today unveiled the new name and latest design for Perth's state-of-the-art indoor entertainment and 
sports venue.

Mr Carpenter said Perth Arena had been chosen as the new name for the complex, which would be built on the Northbridge site 
next to the old Entertainment Centre, linking Perth and Northbridge for the first time.

The Premier also released the latest interior and exterior designs for the new venue, which would include a retractable 
roof, more than 500 corporate seats and a multi-storey carpark.

"The Perth Arena will soon join other major venues across the world as a household name in leading entertainment and indoor 
sports venues," Mr Carpenter said.

"It is in the heart of the city and close to all major transport hubs.

"Perth Arena will provide a minimum of 12,000 seats for sporting events and up to 14,000 for concerts, ensuring that 
Western Australia attracts world-class performers and international sporting events."

Mr Carpenter said Perth Arena would become the new home for the Hopman Cup and would be fitted with a fully retractable 
roof.

The $250million indoor arena has been upgraded from the original design and will now include:

40 corporate suites, up from the initial plan for 18;
an upmarket club lounge;
a strengthened roof structure to increase the versatility of the venue; and
improved lighting.

The Premier said the State Government had also committed $70million to the new 680-bay multi-storey carpark to be built 
over the nearby railway line.

"The location of the carpark and the multi-purpose forecourt area are similar to Federation Square in Melbourne," he said.

"The arena's forecourt has been designed to host many different events such as outdoor concerts and the Hopman Cup practice 
courts.

"The forecourt will also enable the public to gather and celebrate major special events such as the World Cup football, the 
AFL grand final and the Olympic Games by including large video screens in the area."

Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts said Perth Arena would be an iconic building which would put WA on the map as 
an attractive venue for both international and national events.

"The State Government has worked closely with key stakeholders to ensure that Perth Arena will meet the diverse needs of 
WA's entertainment, sporting, tourism and events industries," Mrs Roberts said.

"In the final design, the number of corporate suites has also been more than doubled from 18 to 40 or more than 500 
corporate seats.

"This also provides the opportunity for increased revenue and ensures the arena remains viable in the long-term.

"Other extra features include better broadcast quality lighting and a stronger roof structure that will allow an even 
greater range of events to be staged in the venue.

"The spectacular design of Perth Arena will ensure it will be a significant landmark for years to come."

The arena was designed by a group of leading architects comprising Melbourne-based Ashton Raggatt McDougall (ARM), the 
American firm RTKL and local Perth firm Cameron Chisholm and Nicol (CCN).

Perth Arena is scheduled to go to tender in December 2006, with construction expected to begin in April next year and the 
venue opening its doors in 2009.