Optus Stadium sets new benchmark for disability access

Optus Stadium will set a new standard for disability access at Western Australian sport venues, ensuring the entire community can enjoy a five-star experience when visiting the venue and Stadium Park.

The world-class venue incorporates a range of access and inclusion features, which far exceed the requirements set out in the 2013 National Construction Code. These include:

• 60 purpose-built permanent ACROD bays within the stadium and Stadium Park. This is eight times the number of bays required under the 2013 National Construction Code for event days. There will also be a drop-off area located adjacent to the Perth Stadium Bus Station at the southern end of Stadium Park for eligible ACROD holders
• 28 per cent more wheelchair positions than required in the 2013 National Construction Code, located across all levels of the stadium and available across all price points from general admission to premium product. The positions contain cup holders and incorporate flexible seats for carers and guests, accommodating groups of all sizes
• An additional 327 enhanced amenity seats for people who have mobility requirements that are not in wheelchairs, which is not a requirement of the 2013 National Construction Code
• Three Changing Places toilets for users requiring specialised assistance have been installed across the venue – two within the stadium and one currently under construction in The Camfield function centre. Optus Stadium will be the first stadium in Australia to have more than one Changing Places toilet available to patrons
• 60 universal access toilets within the venue, with 16 in the general admission area having electronic push button access. There is also an ambulatory accessible toilet in each toilet block to provide greater flexibility for patrons
• A total of 12 lifts will be available within the stadium, all with fully redundant power so they continue to operate in the event of a power outage or emergency

The inclusion of these features into the stadium and precinct has been influenced by the Stadium Project Team’s consultation with the Access and Inclusion User Group, which was established in 2012. The group includes representatives from a range of organisations within the disability sector and has informed the stadium’s design specifications and provided advice throughout the design development phase.

Allocation of parking bays and drop-off passes is managed by stadium operator, VenuesLive. ACROD permit holders can apply for a parking bay up to three weeks before an event at http://www.optusstadium.com.au/acrod or by calling 1300 297 588. Those unable to secure an ACROD parking bay will be able to apply for a drop-off pass.

Sport and Recreation Minister, Mick Murray, said:

Optus Stadium is truly a venue for all Western Australians. The attention and hard work that has gone into the disability access features really is one of the most special things about this venue. The number of ACROD bays available at Optus Stadium surpasses construction code requirements eight times over for event days – and far exceeds what is typically seen at sports stadiums in Australia.

 

Importantly, those who cannot catch public transport because of a disability will have the opportunity to apply for a parking bay or a drop-off pass. It is a truly inclusive venue in that sense. This is a special step for disability inclusion and access in this State – where we have succeeded in not just meeting the requirements, but exceeding them.

 

Following several months of test events, stadium operator VenuesLive has received constructive feedback concerning accessibility and will be refining operations and engaging with Access and Inclusion User Group members on an ongoing basis. I would like to thank the members of the Access and Inclusion User Group for their outstanding commitment and enthusiasm to the project since the group was established in 2012.

Image, courtesy: Optus Stadium

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