The City of Cockburn has welcomed a $20m funding commitment from a re-elected Cook Labor State Government that would integrate the existing Wally Hagan Basketball Stadium into a multipurpose sports and recreation hub in Hamilton Hill.
The $60m redeveloped site would feature 10 multipurpose courts, a health club gym, café, and updated changerooms.
City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said he was pleased to see the State Government embrace the much-needed facility, in line with the City’s efforts to establish successful funding partnerships to achieve priority projects in Cockburn.
“We thank Premier Cook, Minister Simone McGurk and Cockburn MLA David Scaife for recognising the importance of the Wally Hagan Recreation Centre Redevelopment with a $20m commitment to address the critical need for expanded indoor sports and recreation spaces as Cockburn’s population continues to rapidly grow,” Mayor Howlett said.
“Acknowledging the success of the City’s advocacy efforts, the commitment reflects the importance of supporting local communities and encouraging active, healthy lifestyles for all.
“This transformative $60m project can’t proceed without Federal Government support. We’re calling on Federal leaders to ensure we can meet the needs of this growing community by also providing support to bridge the funding gap by joining this partnership.
“Although it will provide a home for Cockburn Basketball Association with over 3,000 members, the centre’s multipurpose courts would cater to badminton, volleyball and a variety of sports. A health club, function room and community spaces will also be places where our community can build on and make new connections.
“With careful design, the project will utilise a section of the rezoned Roe 9 highway reservation land to not only preserve the green corridor and Aboriginal heritage area but create a once-in-a-lifetime world-class facility that will make a lasting difference to the Cockburn community.”