The Sydney Cricket & Sports Ground Trust "raised concerns about the safety of Allianz Stadium" with the NSW government in a move that "could prompt a renewed examination of the feasibility of a total rebuild" of the venue, according to Adrian Proszenko of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The government remains committed to investing A$1.6B ($1.2B) to provide the state's stadiums with a "much-needed makeover," although it is "unclear how the funds will be allocated to the ANZ Stadium and Allianz projects." NSW Sports Minister Stuart Ayres last week said that a decision would not be made until the government received a "detailed business case" for the redevelopment of ANZ Stadium, which is not expected "until the end of the year." Another factor for consideration is the "cost of maintaining Allianz Stadium to ensure it complies with safety regulations." The issues around "safety and comfort of patrons at the stadium" have been raised with Ayres by SCG Trust Chair Tony Shepherd. Allianz Stadium, originally known as the Sydney Football Stadium when it was built in '88, will need "significant investment just to bring it up to existing security and safety compliance standards." It is estimated those costs alone would total about A$140M ($106.2M), "without providing any discernible improvements to the game-day experience." A refurbishment would require an outlay of at least A$400M ($303.5M), while a "knock down and rebuild" would likely total A$600M ($455.3M) (SMH, 7/6).
