Hassell envisions a ring pull-shaped viewing platform on the Optus Stadium roof in Perth

Multidisciplinary architecture, design, and urban planning practice Hassell has commenced construction on a new attraction for the Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia - a viewing platform at a height of 42m likened to a ‘ring pull'. Designed to extend five metres beyond the western edge of the stadium roof, the pill-shaped walkway is expected to create a stunning vantage point that permits visitors to walk beyond the stadium roof’s edge and enjoy a scintillating view of Perth’s skyline. As per the architects, the platform will create a unique experience that expands on the HALO Rooftop Tours held at the venue, allowing participants to lean out from a railless deck on the roof, towards the field of play.

“We wanted to physically express the element of excitement that occurs within the stadium – a ‘ring-pull’ to the unique events below the platform,” says Peter Dean, Principal of Hassell, in a press statement. “It is about harnessing this ‘fizz’ and excitement and creating a unique experience that showcases the world’s most beautiful stadium,” he adds. In this vein, the platform will provide 360-degree views of Perth’s urban landscape: extending from the city and its Central Business District along with the Swan River in the west, towards the verdant escarpment of Perth Hills in the east.

Hassell, in collaboration with Cox Architecture and HKS Architects, completed the 60,000-capacity Optus Stadium back in 2018 - gifting the city with a venue capable of hosting a diverse array of events, ranging from sports such as cricket and rugby to athletic exhibitions and even concerts. With ‘ring pull,’ the firm aims to add more value to the experience of visiting this colossal arena, through features such as rooftop seating accessible through a back-of-house gantry walkway - for guests to watch games from an exclusive vantage point - along with a variety of thrill-seeking experiences. These include a cantilevered glass walkway with electronic ‘shatter’ glass, as well as facilities included in the stadium design for potential operator-led experiences such as abseiling.

In an official release, Tony Buti, Western Australia Sport and Recreation Minister, mentions about the announcement, "This is an exciting addition to the suite of stadium tours and proves Western Australia's ability to draw visitors to the state and provide world class sporting and entertainment experiences.”

The new Western Gantry attraction is expected to open to the public in 2022, complementing the HALO Tours, which have already won Optus Stadium a fair deal of renown since its opening.