Western Australian Government backs Beatty Park refurbishment

One of Western Australia's best known aquatic and recreation facilities is to receive a makeover following the handover of $5 million funding from the Western Australian Government towards the long term lease of nib Stadium.

The payment is a key component of a 50 year lease agreement between the City of Vincent and the Western Australian Government, underpinning the State's planned $95.1 million redevelopment of nib Stadium.

The Beatty Park Leisure Centre will be the major beneficiary of the funding which will go towards key recreation projects in the City of Vincent.

Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett said Beatty Park holds a special place in the hearts of Western Australian sports lovers and in particular followers of aquatic sports, stating "this was the venue for one of Australia's finest international swimming triumphs, the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.

"The role of the Beatty Park Leisure Centre has changed since it was purpose-built for the games nearly 50 years ago and this extensive refurbishment and upgrade reflects changing community needs in sport and recreation facilities."

Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said aquatic centres needed to be community-based facilities that catered for all ages and all aspects of physical activities.

Minster Waldron explained "over the last couple of decades aquatic centres have evolved from swimming pools with diving and water polo facilities to being multi sport, multi-purpose sport and recreation venues.

"This extraordinary diversity of use with all ages, all levels of health and the need to be the hub of community activity is why as a Government we previously provided $2.5million to stage one of the redevelopment.

"The project is a good example of State and local governments working together to deliver a real benefit to the community on a number of levels."

When the final upgrade stage is completed Beatty Park Leisure Centre will have:

• A new world-class 10-lane 50 metre pool and operating plant,
• An upgraded of dive pool, indoor pool floor and plant room ,
• A geothermal heating system,
• An extra learn to swim facility,
• Refurbished change rooms,
• Improved car parking facilities,
• A new spa and refurbished sauna and steam room

City of Vincent Mayor Nick Catania expects the full upgrade will cost $17.25million, stating "the long term lease of the nib Stadium to the State Government has been the culmination of numerous negotiations and I am pleased that agreement has been reached.

"The $5 million provided by the State Government will be well received by the city and council will carefully consider how it will be used to improve the capital infrastructure and amenities at Beatty Park, which will be enjoyed not only by Vincent residents, but also by the wider community."

The project is expected to be fully completed by late 2013.