THE West Australian Government last week said the development of the new Perth Stadium at Burswood Peninsula has moved another step closer, following the appointment of two key consultants.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the Public Transport Authority had awarded contracts for a concept design for the railway station to service the stadium and for a series of environmental studies.

"The Perth Stadium is an exciting project, and the delivery of efficient and effective transport infrastructure will play a critical role in ensuring everyone who uses the new stadium has a great all-round experience," Mr Buswell said.

Woodhead has been awarded the $374,000 contract to develop the station project definition plan, which will include a detailed concept design and cost estimate for the construction of the new train station to service the stadium.

Mr Buswell said the work will provide certainty on the operational and functional planning; determine the land requirement for the station; establish a construction timeframe; and define the relationship between the station and the stadium.

Golder Associates Pty Ltd won the multi-stage environmental contract, worth up to $2.7million, to carry out Burswood peninsula environmental studies for the stadium and associated transport infrastructure.

"This will include contamination and estuarine investigations required to obtain environmental approvals for the project," Mr Buswell said.

The $700 million stadium (current indicative cost) will be built on the Burswood Peninsula and is scheduled for completion in 2018.

Hosting AFL and major international rugby, cricket and football matches, the stadium will initially have a capacity of 60,000 seats, with the potential of increasing to 70,000 seats.

More information is available from the Perth Stadium website at <http://www.perthstadium.com.au/>.