Work starts on Onslow complex, Grylls.
Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 03-February-2010
Construction of the new $10.9million Onslow Sporting and Multi Purpose Complex and Precinct started today with the turning of the first sod by Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls.
The project, one of the major developments in Onslow as part of the Pilbara Revitalisation Plan, included $7million in funds from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.
Mr Grylls said the development was an important part of the Government’s plan to revitalise the Pilbara. The new multi-purpose complex would include a full size sports gymnasium as well as a community emergency evacuation centre for use during extreme weather conditions such as cyclones.
“This is a priority for this area and I am pleased to see the plans for the complex are becoming a reality,” he said.
The Minister said existing sporting facilities were also being upgraded as part of the project.
“The work will include shade structures over the basketball courts, lighting, landscaping, new footpaths and a water playground, creating a sporting and activity precinct,” Mr Grylls said.
“Onslow residents endure temperatures above 35 degrees for 150 days a year and, for 30 of those days, the temperature is above 40 degrees.
“The community will be able to enjoy the new facilities in all temperatures.”
Shire of Ashburton president Greg Musgrave said Onslow residents would finally have an all-year sporting facility, enabling all age groups to participate in a wide range of recreational and community activities.
Mr Musgrave said Pindan and Peter Hunt Architects had been awarded the contract to design and build the multi-purpose complex, which was expected to be completed by November.
Tenders for the rest of the precinct upgrade would be advertised this month (February) and construction of the precinct tennis courts, water playground and oval redevelopment was expected to start in April.
