City of Cockburn commits $15 million to upgrade Beale Park, $5 million less than previously budgeted
The City of Cockburn has revealed new clubrooms and other improvements at Beale Park will cost millions less than originally planned, without any changes to the scope of the project.
The city was originally working towards a $20 million budget, inclusive of a $1m State Government grant, to demolish and rebuild the Spearwood headquarters of Cockburn City Soccer Club.
But at a recent council meeting it was confirmed the expected price tag had dropped to $15m.
'The original estimate was $20m, based on pre-tender assessments which included contingencies and escalation,' the city's group manager of recreation and place Andrew Tomlinson told PerthNow.
'Following the completion of the tender process, the actual budget required is $15m.
'All planned facilities in the original $20m estimate, including changerooms and function spaces, remain unchanged.'
Detailed designs for the Beale Park clubhouse overhaul were made public in March, showing two function rooms, six changerooms, 18 showers and ample storage space.
Construction of the new clubhouse will begin later this year, with completion intended ahead of the 2027 soccer season.
The building is just part of a precinct overhaul that will include re-orienting the pitch and upgraded field lighting.
The city started planning for improvements in 2018, ahead of Australia hosting the 2023 Women's World Cup when Beale Park was at one stage shortlisted as a training venue for one of the visiting nations.
Negative community feedback cruelled the first building revamp and redesign concept, primarily due to the number of trees that would have to make way.
Rebuilding at a location further south rather than revamping or simply replacing the original building will result in the loss of less cockatoo roosting trees, according to a report by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Six trees face the axe under the current plan, but the city said it will plant an additional 35 to maintain shade levels at the park.
Deputy mayor Chontelle Stone is expecting the renovated facilities to ignite a more active soccer community.
'The population of the surrounding area is expected to grow by 21,000 people by 2036 and to cater for this growth, we are excited to provide increased opportunities to participate in sport and physical activities,' Cr Stone said.
'This is especially true for young girls who continue their enthusiastic embrace of soccer in the wake of the Matildas' success.'
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