The Canberra Business Chamber says it is thrilled by Canberra Airport Group’s proposal to get action on a  stadium in the city near Commonwealth Park.

“The proposed location presents an exciting opportunity to create a world-class sporting and entertainment precinct in the heart of the city,” Greg Harford, Canberra Business Chamber Chief Executive, said today. “World-class cities have world-class entertainment precincts, and Canberra should be no different.”

“It’s really exciting that there is private sector interest in getting the project off the ground. A city stadium, done well, it could bring together major events, hospitality, tourism, and business in one vibrant precinct. It would directly complement the new Convention Centre, and unlock opportunities for our city.  Around the world, successful cities make it easy for people attending conferences, sporting fixtures, and concerts to enjoy restaurants, bars, hotels, and attractions nearby, and today’s proposal would achieve this for Canberra, while making good use of the existing investment in light rail.

“Major events are good for the city, good for Canberrans and good for the economy. They bring people into our city, fill hotel rooms, support restaurants, bars, and local businesses, and add enormously to the vibrancy of Canberra. We should be ambitious about our city. Canberra is Australia’s capital, and we should have the sporting, entertainment, and convention infrastructure to match. It just makes sense to have a stadium in the city, and building it next to Commonwealth Park is an exciting idea which deserves serious consideration.”