Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron today signalled the start of construction of a new, world-class rugby facility for Western Australia with a turning of the sod ceremony.
The $10million rugby facility is the final stage of a three-pronged sports development in the Mount Claremont sporting precinct being led by the Department of Sport and Recreation and VenuesWest, which has already delivered a new WA Athletics Stadium and WA Basketball Centre.
"Combined with the already-operational WA Athletics Stadium and WA Basketball Centre, the rugby facility is another piece in the State Government's delivery of a world- standard sports park to replace Perry Lakes' outdated facilities," Mr Waldron said.
"The rugby centre replaces Rugby WA's facility at Perry Lakes, which is to be demolished to make way for residential development. It will include administration space for Rugby WA and indoor training facilities, with gymnasium space and change rooms."
Esslemont has been awarded the contract to build the facility, which the Minister said was expected to take 12 months and ticked all the boxes environmentally and in regard to disability access.
"As with its accompanying athletics and basketball facilities, the rugby facility incorporates environmentally-sustainable design initiatives such as photovoltaic cells for power generation, solar passive design, and low energy lighting," he said.
"Also, the gym and change room facilities include enhanced accessibility provisions to ensure people with disabilities can take full advantage of the new facilities."
Rugby WA has praised plans for the new facility, and is currently in negotiations with VenuesWest regarding lease and tenancy arrangements. Negotiations will be resolved prior to the completion of the facility.
"We're delighted to have the project come to fruition and thank the State Government and in particular the Department of Sport and Recreation for its assistance," Rugby WA chairman Geoff Stooke said.
"The planning has been thorough and precise and the building of this world-class facility is another significant milestone in rugby's proud history in Western Australia.
"Going forward it will provide the administrative and training headquarters to properly support both our professional team, the Emirates Western Force, and our community rugby base."
Mr Waldron said the new facility would not only serve WA rugby for many years to come and provide an enormous boost to the game in WA, it would also encourage participation in the sport at all levels.
"Behind the building of facilities such as this is an overarching goal to provide the platform for West Australians to participate and excel in their chosen sport, creating healthier and happier individuals and stronger and safer communities in the process," he said.
"I can't wait to see the facility completed and making a difference to the sport of rugby in our State, and to the lives of West Australians."
Minister's office - 9213 7200
