New rugby headquarters open

Today's opening of a new home for Western Australian rugby will drive the future growth of the sport in the State according to Premier Colin Barnett.

The Premier and Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron officially opened the Western Australian Rugby Centre in Mt Claremont today.

Mr Barnett said the new facility would provide an administration centre for RugbyWA and the Western Force, indoor training facilities, a gymnasium and change rooms.

"I am very excited about this opening and what it means for this State's rugby faithful," he said.

"In terms of rugby, this facility along with $88million in upgrades to nib Stadium will be of tremendous benefit to Rugby WA and the Western Force, and could very well be a catalyst for our State becoming an even greater force in this growing sport."

Mr Waldron said the facility would be a major addition to the rapidly evolving high performance precinct at AK Reserve. The project was started by the previous government as part of the Perry Lakes Redevelopment.

"When combined with Challenge Stadium and the UWA Sports Park, this trio of facilities provide a world-class sporting precinct to support West Australians' participation and achievement in sport at all levels," Mr Waldron said.

The rugby centre was built for about $17million - $3million under budget.

RugbyWA chairman Dr Russel Perry said his organisation was extremely grateful to the State Government for its thorough planning and execution of the project.

"The WA Rugby Centre will enable RugbyWA to continue to develop the code across the spectrum of playing, coaching and refereeing, from grassroots to the elite level," Dr Perry said.

"This is without doubt the most significant event for rugby in WA since the introduction of the Emirates Western Force some six years ago."

Like its near neighbours, the athletics and basketball facilities, the rugby centre is environmentally friendly, incorporating photovoltaic cells for power generation, solar passive design and low energy lighting.

The facility features:

. multiple offices and large, open-plan administration area
. multiple meeting rooms/combined staff-player breakout area
. large team performance area
. theatrette
. elite change room area
. hydrotherapy and shower facilities
. strength and conditioning areas
. player lounge
. video room
. library
. massage, physiotherapy and sports medicine clinic for the Western Force
. multifunction media room
. merchandising retail area
. secure undercroft parking.

Premier's office - 9222 9475

Minister's office - 9213 7200

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