Appointment of architects to design Joondalup centre

The architects responsible for the National Tennis Centre in Melbourne and the National Athletics Stadium in Canberra have been appointed to design the new $25 million regional sports complex at Joondalup.

Planning Minister David Smith said the complex would have the capacity to host State and national sporting events.

"It will also serve the local and regional sports activities of half a million people ultimately expected to live in the area," he said.

Mr Smith said Phillip Cox, Etherington, Coulter and Jones had won the commission ahead of three other firms based on their track record in sports centre design.

"They have also been appointed to design the recently announced $80 million resort facility at the nearby Joondalup Golf Club course," he said.

"In New South Wales, the firm designed the Sydney Football Stadium.

"It is also currently putting together NSW's proposal to host the 2000 Olympic Games."

Mr Smith said the project developers, Joondalup Development Corporation and Wanneroo City Council, would undertake extensive consultation with sports and community groups before design detail began.

"This will ensure the facility meets the needs of potential users," he said.

"The public has already been invited to comment on the Stage One concept plans and advise of their sporting needs."

Mr Smith said one of the main features distinguishing Phillip Cox's building was their integration with the environment.

"An untouched forested reserve forms a backdrop to the National Athletics Stadium, which can accommodate 20,000 seated spectators," he said.

"We will require similar environmental considerations for the Joondalup complex where the facilities must complement the existing landscape.

"The architect's first task will be to produce a site masterplan for the ultimate development of the complex.

"Detailed design will follow approval of the masterplan and the model will be displayed for further public comment."

Mr Smith said it was proposed the complex be run by an independent board of management whose members would not have a vested interest in any sport.

"One possibility is that the West Perth Football Club could re-locate to Joondalup," he said.

"The Wanneroo District Basketball Association and major hockey clubs are also expected to locate at the new centre.

"By the third year of operation the complex is expected to be 95 per cent used during peak time and 70 per cent used in non-prime times."

Stage One facilities will include:

·         a two-level central sports building incorporating a sports hall, gymnasium and aerobics centre, squash courts and function, social and administrative rooms;

·         fenced football oval and grandstand;

·         all-weather surface sports arena, including two floodlit hockey pitches;

·         athletics/soccer area with grass track.