K40m secured for completion of SHM Stadium

THE Sir Hubert Murray Stadium will be completed.
National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, pictured, confirmed this while announcing the security of K40 million for the facility’s completion.
“We have secured K40 million to complete the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium,” Parkop said.
“It has been a bit of an embarrassment on our part, as well as Curtain Bros.
“This was a public-private partnership but the passing of the Late Sir Mick Curtain left problems for Curtain Bros and NCDC in honouring our commitment.
“National government passed that responsibility onto NCDC and we have had to sell property to raise the money.”
Parkop also confirmed that work had started with machinery moving back on site.
The new Sir Hubert Murray Stadium would seat 20,000 making it the biggest capacity sports venue in the country.
The project would be completed at a total final cost of K152m, K20m more than the initial K132m budget.
Parkop said the venue was to have been the city and country’s main sports arena but unfortunate events had conspired to prevent the completion of the facility.
He said as a result of the delay in completion the venue had missed out on such major events as the Rugby League World Cup, the Pacific Games as well as other major regional events but once the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium was finally completed it would rival the city’s other two major venues.
“The three stands have been built, while outstanding work include a six storey main grandstand that will house Corporate and VIP boxes, restaurants and a gymnasium.”
Lands and APEC Minister and Member for Moresby South Justin Tkatchenko, who was formerly the Sports Minister and who oversaw the initial deal between the state and the private contractor, thanked Governor Parkop and NCDC for taking responsibility of the project.
“NCDCs commitment will finally ensure that this project comes to fruition,” Tkatchenko said.
“While the stadium will complement the other facilities around the city, it will be much bigger.
“It will be utilised by a variety of groups, from sports to corporate and national events, including the Hiri Moale festival.
“It will offer great facilities that will add to the city’s image and hosting venues,” Tkatchenko said.
The new SHMS will come under NCDC, and will be managed and run by the commission once completed.