Tender awarded for construction of Lakelands sports facility, project to get underway by Christmas

South Perth business BE Projects were chosen as the preferred suppliers out of 17 submissions received for the gig.

The project will feature the construction of toilets, four change rooms, two umpires change rooms, six storage areas, a kitchen, bar and function area as well as a community meeting room.

It aims to provide changing facilities, storage and a clubhouse to a range of local clubs and groups using the three ovals.

With works set to get underway before the end of the year, the facility is part of the overall $7.9 million Lakelands District Open Space project.

The site, on the corner of Mandurah Road and Banksiadale Gate, includes three multi-purpose reserves for shared use between the local community and Coastal Lakes High School.

Elected representatives voted to approve the tender at a council meeting on October 8, after City of Mandurah officers recommended BE Projects for their best overall value for money.

The decision was moved and seconded by North Ward councillors Caroline Knight and Ron Wortley - who were both strong advocates for the project

"It's incredible - a really exciting step forward for the northern residents of our city," Cr Knight said.

"It's great that it's come to fruition," Cr Wortley added.

City of Mandurah chief executive Mark Newman said they were excited for construction to get underway to offer another great recreation space to all residents.

"The Lakelands shared sports facility is expected to be a well-utilised asset to the Mandurah community for a wide range of uses," he said.

"The planned facility, located on an active sports reserve, will not only be used for recreational purposes, but has been designed to be functional for many different community and social uses.

"The City is starting contract negotiations with the successful tenderer, and it's envisaged that site works will start before Christmas and construction is likely to be completed by mid to late 2020."

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In October 2018, the City of Mandurah formally adopted a new procurement policy to give local businesses an edge over non-local competitors when vying for city work.

Local businesses vying for City of Mandurah work could be given an edge over their non-local competitors after October 23, when councillors are expected to formally adopt a new procurement policy.

The Buy Local procurement policy aims to support the engagement of local suppliers, subcontractors and employment opportunities for local people.

While a Mandurah company did apply for the tender, Mr Newman said a local business did not necessarily mean they were the best or most suitable for the job.

"The City must ensure that the procurement of goods and services achieve the best value for money, and this is delivered through open and competitive sourcing practices," he said.

"The City's procurement activities includes a Buy 'Local' Policy which provides both local businesses, operating in Mandurah and Peel, and businesses operating outside of this region who commit to engaging local suppliers, subcontracting and providing a local employment opportunities, with a price preference.

"Upon award of the tender, all tenderers will be offered the opportunity to attend debriefs to be advised of the strengths and weaknesses of their submissions and are also offered the opportunity to provide feedback to improve the way the City manages the procurement process."

While the tenderer price exceeds the amount originally allocated for the clubroom construction, cost savings in other parts of the project have meant there are still sufficient funds to complete the contract.

The rest of the $7.9 million in funding for the 10 hectare project has been provided by the City of Mandurah, state government, Department of Local, Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Department of Education and the Australian Football League.

In May, ahead of the federal election, Canning MP Andrew Hastie announced that the City of Mandurah project would receive $300,000 to contribute to the construction of floodlights.

Prior to that, in February 2018, $1.8 million was allocated to the project from the state government's Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund to add to the funding already secured from the City of Mandurah.

Mandurah MP David Templeman said the further contribution of $2.5 million from the state government had been an election commitment.

"This significant McGowan government commitment for Lakelands underpins our commitment to this rapidly growing suburb of Mandurah and is an addition to the now-completed and opened multi-million dollar Coastal Lakes College and Oakwood Primary School."