CONSTRUCTION of a multi-sport facility at Hay Park is expected to begin in the near future with Bunbury City Council last night announcing the successful tenderer for the project.
Civilcon, a local company, will build the $3,336,600 multi-purpose facility, which includes a function centre, changerooms, grandstand seating and other associated amenities.
It will be built at the current site of the Hay Park premier soccer pitch.
Civilcon and City of Bunbury officers will finalise the contract over the next week before determining a start date for construction.
It is expected to take 30 weeks to build the facility, which will cater primarily for soccer and rugby league, however it will also be available to other sports and community groups as required for events, functions, meetings and training clinics.
The two major tenants of the facility – South West Phoenix soccer club and South West Warriors rugby league club – were reportedly upset with the “unaffordable” annual fee they would have to pay, which has been reduced to about $120,000 a year.
But City of Bunbury representatives met with the clubs last week to discuss the problem and work towards a solution.
Mayor Gary Brennan said it was an exciting project that would have flow-on effects for the community.
“It is fantastic to be able to announce the successful tender for this much-needed facility, which will help the growth of the South West Phoenix soccer club and South West Warriors rugby league club,” Mr Brennan said.
“The facility will enable high quality sporting events to be held in Bunbury, which will have cultural and economic benefits for the City.
“It is also a facility that other sectors of the community can make use of for a variety of events, functions and meetings.”
The City will now negotiate a lease agreement with the soccer and rugby clubs for the use of the facility.
Mr Brennan said it was also encouraging to see a reputable local business selected as the successful tenderer, saying it was a sign of the robust South West economy.
“More than 80 per cent of the major tenders awarded by the City over the past 12 months have gone to businesses in the Greater Bunbury region,” he said.