Positive spin on stadium

AFLNT chief executive Stuart Totham has reinforced a number of positives to emerge from ambitious plans to build a $300 million sports stadium in the Darwin CBD.

Totham, chairman Sean Bowden and Larrakia Development Corporation chief executive Nigel Browne revealed plans to build the new stadium on Garramilla Boulevard this week.

The stadium’s construction will work hand-in-hand with a dollar for dollar contribution to new and improved sporting infrastructure in the Northern Territory’s regional and remote areas.

Totham said the visionary concept was in line with all major capital cities that boasted a centrepiece stadium in the city centre that drove economic growth and community values.

“This sort of social infrastructure is important as we push forward in the Territory, and having a stadium with a lid on it that we can make use of for 365 days means we can position ourselves strongly in the sports and entertainment market,” Totham said.

“Leading and linking with other developments around the CBD is important because we’ve got a beautiful place here but we do need more infrastructure.

“Why shouldn’t we demand a stadium that fits the purpose? Why shouldn’t we have ALeague soccer, cricket and

Bruce Springsteen? Why can’t we have them all here?”

Totham is a big fan of investment in regional infrastructure with the purpose of “growing back’’ a diminishing talent base in those areas.

“It’s a big project and hopefully it unfolds over the next few years,’’ he said. “Putting it on the agenda right now means it will come to fruition in due course. Part of that story is having the infrastructure and creating opportunity for young people in those communities to access facilities and develop their talent.

“That is a critical component to all of this (stadium construction) with all the discussion about our regional and remote areas and where they go to from here.”