The MOU will enable the ASC and the ACT Government to actively engage in discussions and explore mutually beneficial opportunities within the AIS precinct as outlined in the ACT Government’s Entertainment, Arts & Sports Infrastructure Plan Update.

The AIS has been a nationally significant institution for the past 40 years and is an important and iconic symbol of Australia’s commitment to sport and the power of sport to unite and inspire the nation.

ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM signed the MOU with ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr earlier this week.

“This is an important step and aligns with the discussions the ASC is having with the Australian Government regarding the revitalisation of the high performance sport facilities at the AIS precinct,” Mr Perkins said.

“The AIS has a deep-seated value to the Canberra community, and we look forward to engaging in discussions with the ACT Government to ensure it is a vibrant precinct available for sport, entertainment, and community use.”

The MOU includes investigating options for the redevelopment or replacement of Canberra Stadium within the AIS precinct with a study to inform the way forward for the stadium.

Options that will be considered as part of the study will be:

• a new stadium on a different site within the AIS precinct that would enable the current stadium to operate while the new stadium is being built
• demolition of the existing stadium and the building of a new stadium on the existing site
• staged, significant upgrades to the existing stadium

As owners of the stadium, the ASC will be an active and collaborative partner in the ACT Government-commissioned Review process and will be involved in the development of the terms of reference.

Following the stadium study, and the completion of further precinct planning work, the ACT Government will seek to partner with the Australian Government in the delivery phase.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the stadium work is part of the ACT Government’s plan “to realise our ambition for Canberra to be recognised as Australia’s emerging cultural, arts and entertainment hub.

“This includes plans for rectangular stadium renewal in a revitalised AIS precinct and improvements at Manuka Oval.”