“Canberra Airport is calling for a world-class, all-event stadium in Canberra’s city centre. This once-in-a-generation opportunity would revitalise the heart of the city and create a new home for sport, concerts and major events in the Nation’s Capital,” the Canberra Airport media release says.

The proposal is for an all-event venue capable of hosting blockbuster sporting events, major international music tours and cultural events, well-connected via light rail access, giving Canberra a venue that matches the city’s ambition and reflects its status as the National Capital. The proposal takes advantage of light rail and the concentration of hotels, restaurants and bars in Civic.

The site, currently occupied by Archbishop's House and adjoining parking areas, is Commonwealth-owned land leased to the Catholic Church, with Canberra Airport advising that preliminary discussions with the Church have been positive and are continuing.

The concept takes inspiration from Christchurch's Te Kaha stadium, a modern 25,000 to 36,000 seat covered venue delivered for approximately AU$531 million. “Canberra would develop its own design tailored to local conditions, but Christchurch provides a compelling example of how a city-centre stadium can transform the visitor experience and support economic activity,” the release explains.

According to the communique, Populous, the firm behind the Christchurch stadium, will lead the stadium site location study, concept design development, site suitability testing, sustainability considerations and coordination of independent construction costing estimates including engineering, traffic and pitch delivery recommendations.

Populous senior principal Al Baxter said the firm was genuinely excited to be working with Canberra Airport to explore the potential of the city stadium concept. “This is an exciting opportunity to bring our global experience of designing One New Zealand Stadium to Canberra and explore how a new stadium could respond to the city, its climate and the needs of its community,” he said.

“Canberra deserves a stadium of which it can be proud, one that brings people together, creates economic growth and strengthens the heart of our city,” CEO of Canberra Airport Stephen Byron said. “This is about creating a better experience for fans and visitors, supporting local jobs and businesses, and ensuring Canberra can compete for the major events that currently pass us by. The appointment of Populous is an important step in that process. Their role is to test the opportunity, explore options for the site and determine what is possible.”

Canberra Airport will work with business, government, sporting and community stakeholders to test the concept through architectural design, construction costings and an independent economic and social impact assessment. Michael Thomson, Canberra Airport’s Head of Aviation, will lead the work, drawing on the broader Canberra Airport team’s expertise in project management, government engagement and community consultation to develop and test the proposal.

While Canberra Airport is “advancing and testing the proposal, communique confirms it is not pursuing proprietorship and would have “no ongoing financial interest in the project or the stadium’s operation”.

While the ACT Government has previously rejected a stadium development at Regatta Place because of concerns about its impact on Commonwealth Park and the National Triangle, the latest proposal has received a more receptive response from government representatives.

Federal Finance Minister Katy Gallagher indicated qualified support, advising “the opportunity to think about the best use for that site, if the archbishop land became available, is an opportunity too good to miss.”

ACT Treasurer and Sport Minister Chris Steel also acknowledged the concept's potential, stating “I've seen the images of the new concept for a stadium at Commonwealth Park and they look incredible, but there's a range of practical questions that need to be answered around the siting of the stadium at Commonwealth Park.”

Said substantial practical questions included how a stadium could be accommodated within Commonwealth Park and its impact on the public space, transport and access, Floriade and other events. Although the site would be connected to light rail, event-day access, crowd management, parking, and supporting transport infrastructure would also require consideration.

The government said it was focused on projects including the Canberra Aquatic Centre and the new National Convention and Entertainment Centre, as well as health, housing, transport and community infrastructure.

“New ideas will always generate discussion, but at this stage this remains a concept and any future consideration would depend on detailed assessment, planning and approvals led through Commonwealth processes,” a government spokesperson said.