It's full steam ahead as the City of Swan submits a development application to the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) for the new Swan Active Ellenbrook recreation and aquatic facility.
Situated in the heart of Ellenbrook and adjacent to the new METRONET Ellenbrook train station, the new facility is set to make a splash with its extensive list of regional-level provisions.
The $108 million project is the City's largest by far and will meet the needs of the rapidly growing community in Perth's eastern corridor, now and into the future.
The project has been made possible with $42 million in grant funding from the State and Federal Governments.
The City has already gone to tender for earthworks which are expected to start in early 2025, while the WAPC determines the development application.
The development proposal includes a range of facilities – the aquatic area boasts 50m and 25m pools, warm water pools, small toddler pools, four waterslides, a small grandstand, change rooms, significant shade sails and barbeque and family areas.
The recreation area includes a sports hall housing indoor multi-purpose courts, a gym and fitness centre, a wellness centre, family facilities like a creche and a kiosk with kitchen facilities.
The proposed design delivers a welcoming, adaptable and responsive centre that meets the needs of the community through sustainable, passive design and contemporary aesthetics.
This is evident in the planned wave-like façade that draws visitors from the main entrance to the aquatic hall, where a timber structure and wave ceiling direct daylight and sound, creating an energetic internal atmosphere.
Tanya Richardson, City of Swan Mayor said the development application submission marks a major milestone in the project's timeline.
"We know our Ellenbrook community has been waiting a long time for their own recreation and aquatic facility and we're thrilled to be making headway with the project," she said.
"We couldn't do this without the support of the State and Federal Governments who will help us deliver a modern leisure centre for a modern community with diverse needs and expectations."
The Honourable Rita Saffioti, MLA, Deputy Premier, said this milestone backs up the State Government's commitment to delivering a leisure facility in Ellenbrook.
"Our dedication to delivering this project is coming to fruition with the reality of the leisure centre reflected in the City of Swan's development application submission – bringing more recreational and aquatic facilities to a centre strategically located in Ellenbrook's transport hub," she said.
Jessica Shaw MLA, Member for Swan Hills, said plans for Swan Active Ellenbrook delivered the State's pool commitment and paved the way for the City's additional facilities.
"The State and Federal Governments are funding the new pool facilities, with our support making stage one of the project a reality. This is another promise kept for the Ellenbrook community, right by the train station and youth centre. I'm glad the City plans to expand the project with an indoor sports centre and look forward to both stages being completed," she said.
Tania Lawrence MP, Member for Hasluck, said the collaboration of all three levels of government to achieve this project will give the community the facility they deserve.
"It's exciting to see the wheels in motion for one of the largest recreation and aquatic facilities in our local area – provisions in the development application submission reflect the community's desires for a regional-level facility," she said.
