The eagerly anticipated development of the Langford Sporting Complex is set to begin next month, with demolition work now scheduled to clear the way for the “state-of-the-art” indoor sports centre.
The $13.1 million project, partly funded by the City of Gosnells and contributions from the Federal and State governments, got the go-ahead at last week’s council meeting after a contract was awarded to a preferred construction company.
As the City’s first indoor multi-sport facility and the new home for the Southern Districts Netball Association (SDNA), it will feature a show court for netball with a grandstand and three multi-sport courts suitable for netball, basketball, badminton, and volleyball.
The Langford Indoor Sports Centre will also include gender-neutral change rooms, an umpires room, a kiosk, a first aid room, administration offices, a match office, storage areas, and a community hall.
Actively involved with the SDNA and a former coach at the club for eight years at the Langford Sporting Complex, Councillor Glenn Dewhurst spoke of his support for the ongoing development.
“All the lights are all done now, and they’ve put all new stands up, and the courts have been done, so it’s absolutely beautiful,” Mr Dewhurst said.
“Once we get this done, it’s going to be absolutely amazing and I thank city staff for all their hard work to get to where we are, and also council for supporting it as well.”
While construction takes place, the SDNA will operate from temporary accommodation.
This setup, which includes an administration office, toilet facilities, a kiosk, and storage containers, is estimated to cost $130,000 and is covered within the project budget.
Originally budgeted to cost $12.5 million, the project’s expenses have increased by over $700,000, but City of Gosnells Chief Executive Officer Ian Cowie said he believes it remains a worthwhile investment for the community.
“All tenders received were higher than the pre-tender estimate, which is indicative of the current construction market. The project budget will be managed throughout the construction process,” Mr Cowie said.
“The complex will provide a much-needed multi-sport indoor court facility within the city, offering an expanded competitive sports arena for netball, badminton, basketball, volleyball, exercise classes and other programs. The new community hall will also offer a recreation space for general community use.”
Previous community safety concerns regarding the gender-neutral change rooms have been addressed by the city, with the chief executive clarifying the reasoning behind the design decisions.
“The change rooms are referred to as gender-neutral because they do not include urinals, however each entry door has a sign indicating whether it is for male or female use. This is standard across all new public facilities,” Mr Cowie said.
Main construction of the new indoor facility is set to commence early in 2025, with completion anticipated towards the end of next year.
