Demolition of Allianz Stadium has to begin this year for the NSW stadium project to proceed.getty images
The memorandum of understanding between the National Rugby League, the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust, ANZ Stadium execs and the NSW government to agree to having two stadiums rebuilt at a cost of more than A$1.6B ($1.2B) is "contingent on work starting on knocking down Allianz Stadium by the end of this year," according to Andrew Clennell of THE AUSTRALIAN. Papers tabled in the NSW upper house on Tuesday included the "infamous" MOU that Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Sports Minister Stuart Ayres signed in November to rebuild both ANZ Stadium and Allianz Stadium. The papers said, "ARLC (Australian Rugby League Commission) must satisfy the Content Commitment during the Term, subject to the satisfaction of the following requirements: 1) On-site works at the Sydney Football Stadium have commenced by 31 December 2018 and the Government progresses on-site works with a view to the new stadium being open for use for 2021 NRL Finals Series matches" and that "On-site works at Stadium Australia have commenced by 31 December 2019 and the Government progresses works with a view to the new stadium being open by 30 April 2023 for use for the 2023 State of Origin (and if possible for the 2022 NRL Grand Final)." The Sydney Football Stadium deadline "could become a point of contention" because government officials have "warned that planning permission for the knockdown of that stadium might not be able to be approved until early next year" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 6/6).
