Cockburn Council has endorsed progression of a $60m first stage to redevelop the Wally Hagan Basketball Stadium into a multipurpose recreation centre.
It will now hone efforts to pursue a re-endorsed proposed funding model for the project. This will include seeking up to $20 million from the Federal government, including under its Thriving Suburbs Grant program, and other State and Federal government funding programs.
This will add to the City’s $20m commitment, plus a $20m contribution from the State government, the result of a pre-election commitment made in January 2025.
The Council’s 9 June Ordinary Meeting endorsed preparation of a business plan for future consideration with further public engagement to ensure delivery of a regional facility that will maximise community connection and benefit.
Stage one of the Hamilton Hill project comprises development of six new courts, including retention of the stadium’s four existing courts, plus a health club and community spaces.
City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said the legally-required business plan was a vital step towards guiding future decision-making around construction which could commence as early as January 2028, subject to funding.
“Future community engagement will help shape the project’s design and operation and define broader precinct outcomes to ensure it functions as a place for everyone,” Mayor Howlett said.
“We thank the state government for their continued strong support of this vital project. Council hopes the final piece in the funding model will be secured primarily through a federal grant which the City will apply for as soon as the round is open.
“This project was always planned to be a partnership program between all three tiers of government and our community.
“We still have a lot of work to do but this is a complex and much-needed project which requires extraordinary attention to detail and funding approach that delivers something the community will benefit from for many years to come.
“There are technical investigations to complete to help address traffic and parking design, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage planning and engagement, and geotechnical investigations.
“The development has been intentionally staged to ensure this essential community facility remains open throughout the construction period.
“It currently supports over 5,000 members seven days a week and basketball games will continue in the existing Wally Hagan Basketball Stadium until the project is complete.
“The City has allocated $220,000 in the FY27 draft budget to progress these planning activities.”
The City’s CEO will work with Cockburn Basketball Association, as the anchor tenant and key basketball delivery partner, to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and club.