A war of words has erupted between the Canberra Liberals and ACT Labor about whether a stadium can be built at Acton Waterfront.
The Canberra Liberals are adamant it can and said they've already had discussions with the National Capital Authority - and will continue to do so to make it happen.
ACT Labor was adamant it can't, having spent the past 15 years trying unsuccessfully to find a site for a new stadium.
The Canberra Times revealed Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee's plans to put a Civic Stadium back on the political agenda in the lead-up to the ACT election.
If elected, the Liberals will build a 30,000-seat stadium at the West Basin site - where Chief Minister Andrew Barr planned to build luxury apartments.
Ms Lee expected the stadium to cost $700-$800 million - based on comparisons with similar stadiums in Christchurch and Sydney - and would include a clear, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene roof - the same as what will be used at the proposed Hobart stadium.
She said the stadium election promise would be costed by Treasury, and they would seek federal government funding and public private partnerships.
Ms Lee said they would begin design work immediately after the election and would start construction before the end of 2028.
"We have had discussions with the NCA. We will continue to have discussions with the NCA," she said.
"It's worth noting that in relation to the NCA's long-term plans for this area they do have visions for activating and revitalising the use of this area - including potentially hotels.
"These are long-term plans the NCA themselves have already pushed out quite some time ago.
"We will continue to have these collaborative discussions with the NCA to ensure that we get this built."
The ACT Labor government has spent the past 15 years and eight studies trying to find a home for a new stadium.
Mr Barr had proposed the Civic pool as the location for a Civic Stadium, but then backflipped to name Bruce as their preferred location - although it is yet to finalise an exact location.
The former Canberra Raiders headquarters on the corner of Haydon Drive and Battye Street was one option being investigated.
"The West Basin precinct is a designated area, as defined in the National Capital Plan, with strict land uses, and considerable planning controls and clear building height limits," an ACT Labor spokesperson said.
"A stadium is not permitted on the land. West Basin is not an appropriate location for a structure of that size.
"The government has extensively examined locations for a stadium, weighing up the feasibility and undertaking necessary due diligence, and understanding the costs that would be required under each option.
"That's why we are planning for a new stadium at Bruce as part of a renewed Australian Institute of Sport precinct.
"This is an achievable project that is being properly costed and is located in a precinct being redeveloped in partnership with the Australian government."
Another area of concern was traffic congestion around the proposed site on event days, as well as a lack of parking.
Ms Lee said light rail would run to the stadium once stage 2A was complete.
She also said Glenloch Interchange and Parkes Way would provide access to the venue, while parking would be part of the design.
"There are various options when it comes to accessing the venue, but of course we have to make provisions for cars and that would be part of the design," Ms Lee said.
