Leschenault Leisure Centre $15m expansion confirmed — design, consultation and construction to start this year

Upgrades to one of the South West’s biggest sporting facilities are on the horizon, with community input and construction planned to start as early as this year. Since its initial endorsement in 2019 the Shire of Harvey has now appointed Perth-based architectural firm Hodge Collard Preston to design the new Leschenault Leisure Centre expansion project. With an estimated cost of $15 million the expansion will include additional courts, new seating — including a grand stand, upgrades to existing facilities and amenities, accommodation and a mezzanine level for additional viewing and events. Shire of Harvey president Paul Gillett said the upgrades would triple seating capacity and attract State and regional competitions. “Upgrades to the Leschenault Leisure Centre are critical as we are already at capacity and we need to ensure we are meeting the current and future needs for the region.” Costs for the project are an amalgamation of $6m in ratepayers’ money as well as a financial commitment of $3m from the State Government. However, the Shire is seeking further funds from the Federal Government as well as other partnership opportunities. In an April report the Shire’s funding model showed need for $5m from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, as well as unspecified Lotterywest grant amount to go towards the centre upgrades. The upgrades would also provide fit-for-purpose facilities for wheelchair basketball and increase the overall number of sporting clubs able to play at LLC. Mr Gillett said the Shire needs to provide infrastructure to encourage physical activity in support of healthy lifestyles through improved cohesion and reduced isolation by harnessing the social benefits of sport. A period of design and community consultation is due to be completed by June of this year —with a Shire start-up meeting held in December 2021 — and construction is set to begin in July 2022 and end in September 2024.