Esperance's new $7.8 million indoor sports stadium was officially opened today and is ready for the start of the winter netball season this weekend.
At the official opening, Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray said the stadium is destined to become a new regional sporting and social hub which could accommodate State-level sports events, as well as community events such as the Esperance Agricultural Show.
The new stadium includes:
- four sprung, wooden courts for basketball/netball which can also be used by other sports such as indoor soccer and volleyball;
- change rooms;
- kitchen and kiosk facilities;
- storage space; and
- additional car parking.
The McGowan Government invested $4.28 million into the project, including $723,000 through the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF), with the Shire of Esperance contributing an additional $3.55 million.
The new stadium was designed by local company Wells Building Designers and Consultants and it was constructed by another local company, Sime Building and Construction, which has incorporated 71 per cent local content into the final project.
The indoor stadium is Stage 1 of the Esperance Greater Sports Ground redevelopment, with Stage 2 involving a $1.63 million redevelopment of the adjacent Noel White Pavilion which is currently underway.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
"Sport and recreation are the lifeblood of our regional communities and I am pleased the State Government is able to support this magnificent project which will provide first-class facilities for so many sports, and the general community, for decades to come."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The new indoor stadium is a fantastic regional asset that has created local jobs during construction - with a local design firm and building company carrying out the works.
"Just as important is Stage 2 which focuses on the Noel White Pavilion, which will also help create jobs in the region."
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Darren West:
"Esperance has been waiting many years for this project and I thank the State, the Shire of Esperance and Sime Building and Construction for getting it done."
As stated by Shire of Esperance President Ian Mickel:
"The new Esperance Indoor Stadium is another jewel in our crown and a great triumph for the community.
"This facility will serve Esperance's sporting community for many years to come, and I am sure countless happy memories will be made within its walls.
"Sport is a big part of life in Esperance so it is great to have such a wonderful facility for our sporting groups to use."
