Work starts on Albany sports park
The $42 million Centennial Park sporting precinct will enter its construction phase after detailed designs were rushed through at a special council meeting on Tuesday, January 13.
Council approved the schematic design for the sporting precinct, moved to proceed with the detailed design phase and will now call for tenders.
The 350-page document put together by Perth-based architects Gresley Abas sets out playing fields, vehicle management, green infrastructure, water management, built facilities and branding.
Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the item was originally expected to be presented at the December meeting but was delayed because of concerns from some councillors about the Albany Agricultural Society’s role in the development.
He said there has to be a special council meeting before the scheduled date in February to ensure the project did not miss funding deadlines.
Mr Wellington said the green light was “great news” and the council would now call for tenders before starting construction at the western end in June, the soccer and cricket field redevelopment.
Deputy Mayor Greg Stocks urged councillors to approve the “fantastic” project and not miss funding deadlines at the meeting.
“This is a one in 100 year opportunity and has been on the table for 50 years,” he said.
“If we don’t take it up, this opportunity might not present itself again.”
He said cricket would finally have a home and football would have a world-class facility.
Councillor Rob Sutton said the development would not only benefit the sporting community but also greater Albany, with the construction of walking trails and landscaping.
He said it would be great to replace the “eyesore” older buildings along North Road.
Councillor Alison Goode questioned what effect approving the designs would have on the Albany Agricultural Society’s future and City of Albany deputy chief executive Garry Adams said the two projects could run separately.
Albany Agricultural Society president Erika Henderson said meetings held this month were still pretty positive and the society hoped to compromise with the City of Albany.
She said they wanted the Albany Show at Centennial Oval and still hoped to be able to have a 7000sqm undercover area, their current space.
However, she said they were examining alternative ways to achieve this, such as potentially utilising an undercover carpark during show time.
Ms Henderson said during construction time in 2016 and 2017, they would look to host the show in alternative locations, such as the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre.
Albany Cricket Association president Terry Eaton said the project had been a long time coming.
“It’s not just benefiting cricket and soccer, the whole area will be improved,” he said.
