AMP Capital has acquired a 50 per cent interest in Westadium – the State’s partner in the Optus Stadium Design Build Finance and Maintain Project from John Laing on behalf of investors in its Community Infrastructure Fund (CommIF).

Optus Stadium is a new state-of-the-art, multi-purpose stadium that accommodates a range of entertainment and sporting events, including cricket, rugby union, rugby league, AFL, soccer and concerts.

The stadium was developed as a Design, Build, Finance and Maintain Project with the Western Australian Government, under a 25-year concession.

Since it was opened in January 2018, the 60,000-seat stadium has hosted more than two million people.

The stadium can be adapted to a ‘rectangular field’ setup with a 12-hour turnaround and has two 340m² video screens, which are among the largest in Australia.

"We are proud to invest in a social infrastructure project that supports sporting and community events..."

Optus Stadium is one of Perth’s newest attractions and within months of opening received a WA Tourism Award.

The project’s focus on social and environmental aspects resulted in greater public transport access to the stadium, with the development of a dedicated six-platform train station at its doorstep and a 117-railcar stowage in its vicinity.

Multiple walking and cycling paths connect Optus Stadium to the existing Burswood Peninsula path network and Stadium Park where there are more than 600 bike racks located around the park.

CommIF Fund Manager, Charles Savage, said: “CommIF is delighted to have secured an interest in Optus Stadium for our clients."

"We are proud to invest in a social infrastructure project that supports sporting and community events, and brings strong financial benefits to its local economy.”

“With the interest acquired in Westadium, CommIF’s portfolio increases to 14 social infrastructure assets."

"CommIF holds a strong track record in the market and is recognised as a leading investor and manager of social infrastructure assets."

"Our clients value the secure and predictable revenue streams that social infrastructure projects offer,” Mr Savage said.

The transaction reached financial close in March 2019.

AMP Capital was advised by Clayton Utz, Deloitte, Aon and MBM.

CommIF invests in high-yield, brownfield, social infrastructure assets in Australia and New Zealand.

The fund’s focus is on sectors such as education, health, corrections, community housing, water and recreational facilities.

The acquisition in Westadium increases the total CommIF assets under management to A$3.7 billion, with over A$830 million in equity invested.

Pictured, top and middle of the page: Perth's Optus Stadium