Populous Appointed to Test Canberra City Stadium Concept

Canberra Airport has appointed Populous to undertake concept design and feasibility work for a proposed all-event stadium at Regatta Place in Canberra’s city centre.

The appointment marks the next step in assessing the viability of the proposed stadium. It follows the launch of the Our City. Our Stadium. proposal and the release of independent economic and social impact analysis on the benefits of a city-centre stadium for Canberra.

Populous will carry out a site location study, site suitability testing and concept design development, and will consider how the venue can meet high standards of sustainability. We will also coordinate independent construction cost estimates, including engineering, traffic and pitch delivery recommendations.

The work will be led by Senior Principal and APAC Regional Board Director Al Baxter, who brings Populous’ global experience in stadium design and a personal connection to the city.

Populous recently led the design of One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha in Christchurch, a fully covered, multi-use stadium in the heart of the city. Designed as a flexible urban venue for sport, concerts and community events, it has helped revitalise Christchurch’s city centre and offers a relevant reference point for Canberra.

Al Baxter

Senior Principal, APAC Regional Board Director, Populous

The team will also draw on Populous’ experience designing major venues across the region and around the world, including Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, CommBank Stadium in Sydney and Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Canberra Airport Managing Director Stephen Byron said:

“We said from day one that this proposal would be evidence-led and tested rigorously. The appointment of Populous is an important step in that process,” Mr Byron said,

“This isn’t about arriving with a predetermined answer. It’s about engaging global experts to assess how a stadium worthy of the Nation’s Capital could work in Canberra.

“Christchurch will provide an important benchmark and starting point for the design, but the final concept will be tailored to Canberra, its needs and its climate.”

Mr Baxter said: “Canberra is close to my heart having been born here and having trained here during my rugby career”.

“Populous is looking forward to working with Canberra Airport to test the concept to help shape a distinctive, flexible and sustainable venue for Australia’s capital.”