Construction begins on new South Lake hockey facility

WORK has begun on a new $6.53 million purpose-built hockey facility in South Lake.

City of Cockburn officials joined representatives from Fremantle Hockey Club, Lakeland Senior High School and the State Government for a sod turning ceremony on Wednesday to mark the project’s official start.

The new Lakelands Hockey and Community Facility on South Lake Drive will include two grass practice fields lit by 300 lux LED lighting, an artificial turf hockey field, four change rooms, toilet facilities, storeroom, indoor function area, outdoor area and kitchen facilities.

City of Cockburn Recreation Manager Travis Moore said it will offer locals an opportunity to access specialist hockey turf facilities and grow the game within the City.

“The facility is another example of the City’s commitment to providing community sport and recreation facilities to cater for all major sporting codes,” he said.

Fremantle Hockey Club President Rob McPherson said relocating its club from Fremantle to South Lake could see them grow to have 900 members within five years.

He said because synthetic surfaces increased the quality and speed of hockey, the Lakelands turf would be tested to comply with full International Hockey Federation accreditation.

Students at Lakeland SHS will also be able to access the facility.

“The centre may also provide the school with the potential to expand our specialist program offerings from touch rugby and music technology to include a hockey program in the future,” Lakeland SHS principal Alan Brown said.

The City put $4.78m towards the project, with the State Government contributing $1.25m through a Sporting and recreation Facilities Fund grant and the Fremantle Hockey Club funding the rest.

It is expected to open in mid 2019.