Work to start on Beatty Park refurbishment, Waldron
Author: Terry Waldron
Published on: 23-August-2011
One of Western Australia’s historic sporting facilities will receive a makeover following the handover of $5million funding from the State Government towards the long term lease of nib Stadium.
The payment is a key component of a 50 year lease agreement between the City of Vincent and the State Government, underpinning the State's planned $95.1million redevelopment of nib Stadium.
The Beatty Park Leisure Centre will be the major beneficiary of the funding which will go towards key recreation projects in the City of Vincent.
Premier Colin Barnett said Beatty Park holds a special place in the hearts of Western Australian sports lovers and in particular followers of aquatic sports.
“This was the venue for one of Australia’s finest international swimming triumphs, the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games,” Mr Barnett said.
“The role of the Beatty Park Leisure Centre has changed since it was purpose-built for the games nearly 50 years ago and this extensive refurbishment and upgrade reflects changing community needs in sport and recreation facilities.”
Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said aquatic centres needed to be community-based facilities that catered for all ages and all aspects of physical activities.
“Aquatic centres have over the last couple of decades evolved from swimming pools with diving and water polo facilities to being multi sport, multi-purpose sport and recreation venues,” Mr Waldron said.
“This extraordinary diversity of use with all ages, all levels of health and the need to be the hub of community activity is why as a Government we previously provided $2.5million to stage one of the redevelopment.
“The project is a good example of State and local governments working together to deliver a real benefit to the community on a number of levels.”
When the final upgrade stage is completed Beatty Park Leisure Centre will have:
- a new world-class 10-lane 50m pool and operating plant
- complete upgrade of the dive pool; and plant room
- complete upgrade of the indoor pool floor
- a geothermal heating system
- an extra learn to swim facility
- refurbished change rooms
- improved car parking facilities
- upgraded gymnasium
- a new spa and refurbished sauna and steam room
City of Vincent mayor Nick Catania said when fully completed in late 2013 the project would have cost $17.25million.
“The long term lease of the nib Stadium to the State Government has been the culmination of numerous negotiations and I am pleased that agreement has been reached,” Mr Catania said.
“The $5million provided by the State Government will be well received by the city and council will carefully consider how it will be used to improve the capital infrastructure and amenities at Beatty Park, which will be enjoyed not only by Vincent residents, but also by the wider community.”
