Temporary facilities at Leatherback Park, Alkimos. File picture.
Camera IconTemporary facilities at Leatherback Park, Alkimos. File picture. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Tender awarded for Alkimos club rooms following grant announcements

Lucy JarvisWanneroo Times

THE City of Wanneroo has awarded a $1.4 million contract to build sports club rooms after a semi-successful grant application.

Wanneroo Councillors accepted Bistel Construction’s tender submission to build a sports amenities facility and multipurpose room at Leatherback Park in Alkimos at its March meeting.

They also noted the City would need to source an extra $155,667 from municipal funds for the $1.78 million project after only receiving $400,000 of the $555,667 requested from the State Government.

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At the same meeting, councillors noted another two Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund applications had been unsuccessful.

Those were for floodlight upgrades at Ferrara Park in Girrawheen and Paloma Park in Marangaroo, with about a third of the cost requested in both projects.

Councillors noted the budget shortfalls and plans to review funding capacity as the upgrades were still needed by the community.

They also asked the mayor to write to the Sport and Recreation Minister seeking an increase in allocations for the fund, and to establish a separate funding allocation to help local governments develop regional infrastructure.

The Leatherback Park report said Bistel provided the best value for money of the four tender submissions received, and the company had previously built the Splendid Park club rooms in Yanchep and finished the Yanchep Surf Life Saving Club building.

With regard to the ‘buy local’ focus, it said Bistel had seven employees and seven subcontractors living and operating locally, and would sources materials from Wanneroo and surrounds where possible.

Construction of a multi-purpose room, two change rooms, kiosk, first aid room, umpire room and public toilets is expected to finish in early November.

Leatherback Park club rooms concept design from 2019.
Camera IconLeatherback Park club rooms concept design from 2019. Credit: Supplied/Lucy Jarvis

The park has been used by Alkimos Pirates Lacrosse Club, Alkimos Ball Club, Brighton Seahawks Junior Football Club, Eglinton District Cricket Club, Alkimos Beach Primary School and West Perth District Football Development for competitions.

Mayor Tracey Roberts said the project would help meet the need for more sporting facilities in the City’s northern corridor.

“The population of Alkimos is expected to double over the next 20 years and it will be important for these residents to have access to facilities to encourage active lifestyles and community spirit,” she said.

“The park currently has three transportable structures on site which local sporting clubs use as change rooms and to store equipment.

“The new building will be a valuable addition to Alkimos and surrounding suburbs.”

Eglinton Junior Cricket Club president Simon Stevenson welcomed the tender announcement.

“Having access to such a high quality facility will be amazing for our young cricketers,” he said.

“Our club is excited to see this project take shape and appreciates the City’s support of local junior sport.”

Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray said the State Government was pleased to contribute $400,000 to help make the project a reality.

Butler MLA John Quigley MLA said the project would benefit his electorate.

“Leatherback Park is so important to the Alkimos community, with the grounds being used by local sporting clubs and Alkimos Beach Primary School,” he said.

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