Expansion of Perth’s Cockburn ARC to include new facilities for AFL’s Fremantle Dockers

The City of Cockburn has announced that expansion of its Cockburn ARC facility will start in early 2024.

The ‘Cockburn ARC Evolution’ will feature a range of new facilities for the AFL’s Fremantle Dockers including the construction of a new 250-seat spectator grandstand, new AFL Women's changerooms, and substantial upgrades to the existing health club facilities including the spin studio, gym and group fitness areas.

With the building contract awarded to Shelford Construction Pty Ltd, the enhancements are expected to provide the community with improved access to the Club’s training oval and create more opportunities for community football.

Significantly, the expansion is buoyed by Western Australian Government funding dedicated to building changerooms for the Fremantle Dockers’ AFL Women’s team.

In a statement, the club advised “these facilities will set a new benchmark for inclusivity, as they will also welcome various female sporting teams as part of the community sporting programs.”

The City of Cockburn’s significant financial contribution is specifically earmarked for creating the proposed grandstand with the aim of improving the matchday experience for members and fans for future AFL pre-season, AFLW and community games played at the venue.

Advising that the project is an acknowledgment of the exciting growth in the area, Fremantle Chief Executive, Simon Garlick stated “this expansion is more than just scaling up infrastructure to meet the growing demands of our current facility; it’s about building a legacy for community engagement and sports participation.

“With new AFLW changerooms, the local community will gain access to state-of-the-art sports facilities, promoting greater participation in our great game among women and girls.

“The grandstand will provide greater access for our dedicated fans to watch both our teams train and play at this stunning facility.

“Working together with our close partners in the City of Cockburn, this project will add significant value to the local area, which we feel is the most exciting growth area of Perth for young families.”

City of Cockburn Mayor, Logan Howlett added “it’s exciting to embark on another partnership project with the Fremantle Football Club.

“We signed a Memorandum of Understanding in June in a partnership designed to help expand successful community-focused opportunities and to enhance the lives of local families.

“This project will do just that.”

Click here for ongoing updates on the Cockburn ARC Evolution project.

Image: The Dockers oval and facilities at Cockburn ARC. Credit: Fremantle Dockers FC.