The first pile for the 60,000 seat new Perth Stadium was today driven into the Burswood Peninsula site and construction is now officially underway.

Premier Colin Barnett said during the next 12 months more than 2000 piles would be driven about 35m into the ground, supporting the world-class structure.

“I’m delighted to once again be at this magnificent site to celebrate another milestone delivered on schedule,” he said.

During the next three years, Western Australians will see the impressive five-level stadium structure build to a height of 42 metres, leading the transformation of the Burswood Peninsula.

“Before the gates open for the start of the 2018 AFL season, local businesses of all sizes will have the opportunity to play a part in the delivery of this venue. More than 100 contracts will be awarded during the construction phase and the first will be announced before the Christmas public holidays,” the Premier said.

“We expect more than 5700 workers will be involved in construction.”

The stadium will be built using more than 10,000 tonnes of structural steel and more than 52,000 cubic metres of concrete – enough to fill 21 Olympic-sized swimming pools. In the New Year, the first of eight tower cranes will be installed.

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said detailed and fastidious planning undertaken during the past three years would pay dividends for the project.

“In just a few years, Western Australian fans will have the opportunity to experience a world-class facility week-in, week-out but most importantly one that has been designed with their needs at its heart,” he said.

Construction of the stadium and all of the surrounding sports precinct landscaping and facilities will be completed by the end of 2017 to allow a transition phase ahead of the opening.

Construction will be done simultaneously in two sections, starting at the Western Plaza and progressing concurrently in opposite directions around the oval, joining at the Eastern Plaza.

In July this year, the Premier and Minister revealed the winning design and that Westadium would design, build, partially finance and maintain the stadium and sports precinct.

For the past five months, the Westadium design and construction contractor Brookfield Multiplex has been developing its design and preparing the site for the construction phase, setting up offices, installing temporary roads and mobilising machinery.

Works for the associated transport infrastructure are also progressing on schedule and the designs of the new six-platform Stadium Station and the Swan River Pedestrian Bridge will be released in early 2015.