Work is set to begin on the exciting $16.2 million transformation of Cockburn ARC.
The ARC Evolution, a partnership between the City of Cockburn and Fremantle Football Club, will deliver significant improvements to the ARC Health Club and Dockers facilities.
Scheduled for completion in early 2025, the partnership project will enhance services for the community and members.
City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said the project would continue to meet the City’s vision to make Cockburn the best place to be, supporting the community to thrive by providing inclusive and sustainable services that reflected its aspirations.
“This project is not just about expanding services, it’s about enhancing lives by providing facilities with considerable social and health benefits,” Mayor Howlett said.
"The City provides world-class recreation facilities to our residents, so they can enjoy places to exercise, socialise, connect and have fun.
“This evolution will expand opportunities for residents and visitors to join exercise classes, participate in mind, body, and wellness sessions, and work-out in an award-winning gym.”
Mayor Howlett also said it was exciting to embark on another partnership project with the Dockers, a further example of the success of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two parties in June 2023.
“Our partnership with the Dockers is designed to help expand successful community-focused opportunities that improve the lives of local families and I’m confident this project will do all that, and much more.
“The expansion project will benefit girls and women who will have dedicated changerooms to help promote their active participation in football and other community activities at this world-class venue."
The City will fund $9.6m of the project to deliver a revamped ARC Health Club experience, including:
- Increased gym floor space to 1,500m2
- Increased Mind and Body Studio to 250m2
- Relocated and upgraded Group Fitness and Indoor Cycle Studios
- Conversion of administrative spaces to expand the gym.
Fremantle Football Club and the AFL will provide $3.15m, the State Government will contribute $2.5m and the WA Football Commission has provided $350,000.
These new facilities will include:
- State-of-the-art AFLW changerooms
- Changerooms to support community sporting programs
- An undercover 250-seat spectator terrace
- A multipurpose function space to support education and community programs.
Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
“Female and unisex changeroom facilities are a priority for this government and this project is another example of that.
“In light of the formation of our AFLW teams and the huge response to last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, more young women are playing these sports and need suitable changerooms, like their male counterparts have had for a long time.
“In a wider context, any facilities which encourage more woman and girls to take part in sport and active recreation are a positive for the community both from a mental and physical health perspective.”
Comments attributed to Fremantle Football Club Chief Executive Officer Simon Garlick:
"This development is a reflection of our commitment to fostering a deep connection with our community and supporting the growth of Women's Football at all levels,” Mr Garlick said.
“By partnering with the City of Cockburn, the AFL, the State Government, and the WA Football Commission, we are investing in a future where our Club and our community can grow together.
"This project is a pivotal part of our strategy to enrich and inspire our purple army and the broader community.
“Creating this space, with the City of Cockburn, that welcomes everyone, reinforces the message that the Fremantle Dockers is more than a football Club; we are a community united by our love for the game and our dedication to making a tangible difference."
Comments attributed to Fremantle AFLW Coach Lisa Webb:
"This investment marks a significant milestone not just for our Club but for the wider community and the future of women's sport,” Ms Webb said.
“The state-of-the-art AFLW change-rooms and the additional facilities for community sporting programs reflect our commitment to providing the best facilities for our players and the community.
“These facilities are not just about enhancing the viewing experience at our training ground; they're about strengthening our connection with the community and inspiring the next generation of female athletes."
Comments attributed to WA Football Commission CEO Michael Roberts:
"The WAFC is striving to connect and enhance WA communities through high quality and inclusive facilities, and this project is another fantastic example of this.
“Female football continues to grow, in 2023, more than 15,000 females participated in community club football, an increase of four per cent.
“This ensures Fremantle Football Club and the broader community have access to a facility that is well-equipped for the future.”
Caption: l-r City of Cockburn Mayor, Logan Howlett; ARC Gym Instructor, Natalie Forycki; Member for Cockburn, David Scaife MLA; Minister Simone McGurk; Minister David Templeman; Fremantle Football Club’s AFLW senior coach, Lisa Webb; Fremantle Football Club CEO, Simon Garlick; City of Cockburn CEO, Daniel Simms.