NEW FACILITY TO TAKE FLIGHT WHERE FALCONS DARE

PREMIER Colin Barnett today turned the first sod of soil to mark the beginning of the next stage of a $20 million Liberal National Government election commitment to redevelop HBF Arena in Joondalup.

Mr Barnett said $4.3 million was allocated in the 2016-17 State Budget to finalise the HBF Arena works which would see new basketball and football facilities built to be enjoyed by the West Perth Football Club, the Wanneroo Basketball Association and the wider community.

The new two storey football facilities include ticketing and merchandise areas, administration and function areas, player amenities, coach and support staff accommodation, football development services and member facilities.

The new four-court basketball facility is being built for the Wanneroo Basketball Association and includes a 500-seat show court, an administration area and player amenities, to replace their former home at Joondalup Basketball Stadium.

“Perth’s northern suburbs are one of Australia’s most rapidly expanding population corridors and the community deserves a sporting hub it can be proud of,” Mr Barnett said.

“HBF Arena already services about one million patrons each year, and the new sporting facilities are expected to further increase the number of players and spectators.”

The completed first stage of the redevelopment at HBF Arena included extra courts and administration offices for the Joondalup Netball Association and an expansion of the western oval with a second rugby field.

Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies said the project would transform facilities at HBF Arena to create a multipurpose sporting hub that allowed clubs to grow and prosper.

“While the various clubs at HBF Arena will benefit from these new facilities, the project is also providing additional infrastructure for safe and convenient community use,” Ms Davies said.

“Thanks to this redevelopment, HBF Arena will continue to be a great meeting point for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy being physically active in Perth’s north.”

Additional power supplies, gas, water and sewerage upgrades and extra rainwater drainage will be completed, as well as an extra 356 car bays.

The State Government thanked the City of Joondalup for their support and financial contribution to the project.