New sports complex unveiled at Joondalup

27/5/93

Lands Minister George Cash today unveiled the name of the new multi-million dollar sports complex at Joondalup.

The state-of-the-art complex, which will have the capacity to hold more than 20,000 fans and host national and international events, will be called the Joondalup ARENA.

The complex is a joint venture between Joondalup City Centre developer LandCorp and the City of Wanneroo.

Mr Cash revealed the ARENA name and logo at a ceremonial concrete pour for the $16 million stage one of the complex.

"This magnificent site, which was raw earth only seven months ago, now has a form, identity and very bright future," the Minister said.

"All of the civil works have been completed and the building phase is well on its way.

"The ovals are grassed and fenced, the athletics track, hockey fields and tennis courts have been laid out, and irrigation is up and running.

"It is already evident that the ARENA will be the sporting venue of the future, not only for the 525,000 residents who will eventually live in the northern corridor, but for all Western Australians."

Mr Cash said that although much emphasis would be placed on community use of the complex, the relocation of West Perth Football Club to Joondalup would see the ARENA being used by a wide range of sports fans from the start of its operations.

"In addition to the facilities already completed, the ARENA will provide the region with basketball courts, a multi-purpose field, a landscaped recreation area and a grandstand to seat more than 1,500 fans.

"The ARENA will also include function rooms and social facilities which will be used on a shared basis to cater for a mix of activities.

"People who live outside the northern suburbs will be able to catch the train to Joondalup to watch WAFL matches in the splendor of a new sports complex.

"The prospects for this ground are even bigger, with plans to host national and international events for a wide range of sports."

Mr Cash said the ARENA also brought benefits which were not connected to sport.

"More than 330 people are being employed in the construction phase and there will be 40 permanent positions when the ARENA is up and running early next year."

Wanneroo Mayor Graeme Major said the City of Wanneroo was proud to be a joint venture partner in such an impressive and much-needed facility for the future.

"The population of the northern corridor is increasing at a rapid rate, so forward thinking by LandCorp, the community and ourselves has been necessary to ensure a bright future for the area," Mr Major said.

Media contact: Narelle Cant 222 9595