Leading Experts Gather Prior to Commonwealth Games to Influence Sport Stadiums of the Future

By Imago Group - Liz Herbert
Tuesday 17 January, 2006

At a time when the eyes of the world are focused on the bustle and excitement generated by some 4,500 athletes from 71 nations competing in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Sport Knowledge Australia will be promoting a practical vision for major event arenas that continue to thrive long after their founding purpose has past.

SYDNEY- In conjunction with the Melbourne School of Sport & Recreation Management, Sport Knowledge Australia (SKA) will present the inaugural International Sport Facility Management Program from 9-14 March at Sports House in Melbourne.

The CEO of Victoria’s State Sport Centres Trust, Simon Weatherill, who led SKA’s first overseas seminar on sports stadium management at Tsinghau University in China last year, chairs the program which will attract delegates from around the world.

The course is the first of its kind says Weatherill; “Never before has there been a course offered that provides a complete picture, from conceptualisation to implementation and operation of major sporting facilities. This unique conference brings together international experts from all facets of major sports facility management.”

Globally, design, construction and management of sports stadia has become big business. In China 10,000 major facilities exist among a total of 70,000. Of the United Arab Emirates, six states have recently built, or are planning to build, large complexes. In India, where planning is underway for infrastructure for their 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, the course has attracted considerable interest.

SKA CEO, Leighton Wood, says that the internationally focused program extends a vital portfolio of expertise and guidance on future projects, “The workshop-style course is designed to aid investors, operators, councils and governments, among others, by laying out crucial guidelines for long term success in planning and managing major sport facilities.

“Over five days, 18 esteemed industry leaders share their expertise gained over the last decade with our conference delegates. The modules cover a broad spectrum of detailed knowledge from concept through to operation.”

Leading the presentation on Concept Planning is Peter Abraam, CEO of the Victorian Major Events Company – a world leader in the procurement of major sporting and cultural events. His experience encompasses the Melbourne Formula One Grand Prix and MotoGP as well as strategic roles in the Sydney Olympic Games planning. The module considers the critical decisions in developing a major sport facility, and financial sustainability links which connect tourism and major events.

Peter Brook, Director of Peddle Thorp Architects, who holds a Masters in Urban Design from Harvard University, is a key presenter in the areas of feasibility and business planning. Brook has developed the master plans for some of Australia’s most famous landmarks including the Melbourne and Olympic Parks precinct.

The Operations module of the course examines a range of subjects fundamental to a venue’s success incorporating, among other topics, identification of market demand, core business drivers, asset risk and management, and life cycle costs. Weatherill, who leads the operations module, has recently overseen a $60 million stage two development of the Melbourne Sport and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) - geared to servicing the Commonwealth Games. But says Weatherill, the MSAC, offers an ideal example to course participants of planning for long-term success, “After playing a starring role over the 12-days of hosting Commonwealth Games events, the MSAC will leave a lasting legacy infrastructure to the state and will continue to thrive as a competition venue and a popular community facility.

“Since its opening in 1997, more than 13 million people have passed through MSAC’s doors and it has played host to in excess of 1,200 events from internationals through to community carnivals.”

In presenting the Operations module, Weatherill is joined by, among others, Peter Cox of professional consulting firm Padghams. Cox is vice-chairman of the International Cost Engineering Council and National President of the quantity surveyors professional association.

Other modules of the program incorporate – Project Management, Facility Establishment and Event Overlay and Facility Impacts.

In between presentations, delegates will join architects and facility managers for exclusive tours of major sport facilities gaining an insider’s insight into the construction and operation processes.