The City of Cockburn has held a special sod turning event to mark the commencement of construction of the Cockburn Aquatic and Recreation Facility at Cockburn Central West.
The event was officiated by Mayor Logan Howlett, the Premier of Western Australia Colin Barnett, Minister for Sport and Recreation Mia Davies MLA and Fremantle Football Club (FFC).
President Steve Harris and CEO Steve Rosich came out to lend their hand in turning the first sod.
The City has recently approved the construction cost of $83 million excluding GST, appointed Brookfield Multiplex as the builder, and signed a number of leases and agreements with FFC to replace the initial Heads of Agreement signed in 2012.
Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said now all the major agreements had been formalised it was full steam ahead with the project.
“After four years of planning, the community will now see construction progress and the design transform into one of the best sport and community integrated facilities in Australia.
“This project will have enormous benefits for the entire region and it shows the Council’s dedication to make our City the best place to live, work, recreate and invest in the Perth metro area, both now and into the future.”
The key facilities will include: FFC administration and training facilities; multipurpose indoor sports hall with six high ball courts; a community health club including gym and group fitness; indoor and outdoor pools, spas;, three waterslides; indoor play centre; retail sports shop; and meeting and function rooms.
WA Managing Director of Brookfield Multiplex Chris Palandri said they were excited to be breaking ground on what would become a landmark aquatic and recreation facility for the Cockburn community and looked forward to partnering with the City of Cockburn and FFC.
“With our construction of the new Perth Stadium and Sports Precinct in Burswood now well underway, WA will have two world-class sport and recreation facilities by the end of 2017.”
Construction is expected to be completed by April 2017.
