Arabic version: مطار كانبيرا يقترح ملعباً في ريجيتا بليس

According to ABC News, Canberra Airport has unveiled a proposal for an all-event stadium at Regatta Place in Canberra’s city centre, on a site the ACT government had previously ruled out for major development. The proposed location includes the current Archbishop’s House and adjoining car park on Commonwealth land, which is held on perpetual lease to the Catholic Church.

The airport said the venue could host international music acts and “blockbuster sporting events”. It said a central location would put crowds within walking distance of public transport, including light rail, as well as Civic hotels, restaurants and bars. The concept draws inspiration from Christchurch’s Te Kaha stadium in New Zealand, which opened in 2026 and can seat up to 36,000 people.

Canberra Airport chief executive Stephen Byron said the city deserved a stadium that brought people together, created economic growth and strengthened its centre. The airport said it was willing to contribute to developing the proposal, while not seeking ownership or an ongoing financial interest in owning or operating the venue. Its role would include working with business, government, sporting and community stakeholders on architectural design, construction costings, and an independent economic and social impact assessment.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr had previously supported the idea of a Civic stadium but said in 2023 that the government had thoroughly explored the option and found site constraints required other choices. In an answer to a Senate Estimates question taken on notice last year, he said the Archbishop’s residence was not zoned, suitable or available for development at that scale. Mr Byron said the proposal would require Commonwealth approval to transfer the Catholic Church lease to a future stadium-owning and operating entity.