The transformation of Perth’s Australian Hockey Centre is on track with the completion of one of four new international-standard pitches, including lighting and turf upgrades.
The WA Government says the world-class venue at Curtin University is set to bring hockey’s best to Perth, providing a shared space where elite athletes and grassroots players can train and play in the same facility.
Since winning the bid to host the Hockey Australia High Performance Program in Perth, a fourth full-sized pitch and a children’s playing pitch have been added to the project to further benefit the broader hockey community.
To support these improvements the Government has boosted its investment for the purpose-built project with a $28 million funding top up, bringing the total commitment from $135 million to $163 million.Â
“Bentley is proud to host Australia’s home of hockey, offering our local community access to modern facilities and the chance to train alongside hockey’s elite,” said Victoria Park MLA, Hannah Beazley.
“I am especially excited about the opportunities the Australian Hockey Centre will create for the next generation of stars from our local clubs and programs.
“World-class facilities like these play a vital role in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.”
The modern facility, which will become the new home for the Hockey Australia Centre of Excellence and Hockey Australia High Performance Program, includes a specialist high performance training facility, an indoor hockey centre, four outdoor fields, a main stadium with a 10,000 spectator capacity in event mode, and modern broadcast capabilities.
To minimise disruptions to field access during construction, improvements to the northern pitch have occurred ahead of the commencement of major works. These works, which are now complete, included upgrading the pitch to a world cup quality surface and LED fittings, replacing old halogen lights.
“Our government is proud to be investing a record amount into sports infrastructure, to support both grassroots and elite levels of sport,” said Sport and Recreation Minister, Rita Saffioti.
“We want to give as many Western Australians as possible the opportunity to participate and succeed in their chosen sport, which is one of the many reasons why we are building this incredible new facility.
“Australia has always been one of the best countries in the world in hockey, and when finished, this new state-of-the-art hub will promote our State on both a national and international stage as a leading global city for this popular sport.”
In December 2022, the WA Government’s bid for Perth to remain Australia’s home of hockey for the next 18 years was successful.
The expression of interest for the Main Works tender is expected to be released shortly and contract awarded early next year.
Completion of the redevelopment is expected by April 2029.
Comments attributed to South Perth MLA Geoff Baker:
“It’s so exciting to have the home of hockey right here in our backyard.
“From grass roots competition to world cup success, our southern suburbs have proven time and time again to be the place to give Australia’s hockey stars their best shot.
“The completion of the new pitch as the first major milestone of this project is very exciting and just the start of the transformation of this centre.”
