Esperance Greater Sports Ground Redevelopment

The Greater Sports Ground Redevelopment is a long term plan for the Greater Sports Ground. It will allow for continued growth and accommodation of the multi-sports activities that utilise the facilities and open spaces and the co-location of a number of significant sporting groups. The changing needs of a diverse community will inform and determine future development of this central sporting area. 

Within the Greater Sports Ground the redevelopment of the Esperance Indoor Sports Stadium has been identified as a priority project. This Project is for the construction of a new indoor sports stadium in Esperance to meet national and State competition standards and provide expanded and improved facilities for sporting activities, sports administration, temporary camping overflow and regional events. The new indoor sports stadium will also be used for major non-sporting events in Esperance including the annual Agricultural show. the Indoor Sports Stadium project budget is $7.8m, broken up into 2 stages.

A tender has been awarded to local contractor Sime Building Company for a four court stadium. The project is fully funded with assistance from the State Government with $4.06 million from the Goldfields Esperance Revitalisation Fund under the Royalties for Regions program, $723,000 from the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries’ Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF), and $3.58 million from Council. The selection of the forth court meant Council increased their contribution by $533,825

Stage 2 is $580k, which is the redevelopment of the Noel White Pavilion. Stage 2 has not currently received any funding, should no funding be made available Council resolved to underwrite the project.

Specifically, the project will deliver a new facility in Stage 1 comprising:

• Three or four indoor courts suitable for state level competition;
• Kiosk and kitchen facilities;
• Match day facilities;
• Change-rooms (that cater for the future four courts and additional overflow camping);
• Storage space for user's equipment; and
• New car parking spaces.

Stage 2 will deliver the redevelopment of the Noel White Pavilion:

• Re-clad the Noel White Pavilion Roof including insulation;
• Provide sports administration space;
• Community meeting rooms;
• Additional office space for the Agriculture Society;
• Club / function room;
• Refurbish kitchen; and
• Additional storage space for users.

During the planning process for the upgrades to the exisiting Indoor Sports Stadium some structural issues were identified. A review of the structure, Structural Strengthening of Esperance Basketball Stadium, was  completed by Duncan J Jack, Consulting Engineer after concerns were raised during proposed extension works.   

Project Updates

Turning of the Sod 6 May 2019

Turning of the Sod to celebrate the commencement of the project included the Hon Mick Murray MLA, Shire President Victoria Brown, Graham McKenzie - President Indoor Stadium Management Committee and David Sime - Sime Building Managing Director. Work on the Indoor Sports Stadium commenced with the site being fenced off to allow work to be completed safely. 

 

 

 

Sime Building Company were the successful tenderer to construct the four court Indoor Sports Stadium. A number of local contractors will also be involved in bringing the new Indoor Sports Stadium to the Esperance Community. This includes Sime Building Company; Wells Building Design; Ballantyne Earthmoving; Stewarts Engineering; Parker Engineering; Thermoair; Esperance Freight Lines; Holcim Esperance; Coastal Glass and McKenzie's Electrical.

 

Earthworks underway 21 May 2019

The first fortnight of work saw a significant amount of earthworks undertaken for the Southern Carpark Extension and the Stadium Building foundation. Work to move existing and install additional utility services commenced including the laying of power conduit and relocation of storm water and potable water infrastructure. Work on the swale being constructed along the bowling club fence line was also commenced.

      

Concept Plans & Detailed Design

Concept plans for the redevelopment were completed in 2015 and detailed construction drawings have been finalised. These allowed accurate cost schedules to be developed - an essential inclusion for any grant application. Concept designs are now available for the New Indoor Sports Stadium Plan. A detailed design has been prepared by a local company, Wells Building Designers & Consultants. A final set of construction drawings will shortly be issued to the successful contractor.