Major coup for hockey in WA

A new era for hockey in Australia is a step closer, following the completion of key negotiations between the state government and Curtin University.

In December 2022, it was confirmed Western Australia would remain official headquarters for Hockey Australia’s high-performance program, after the state government’s $135 million bid, in partnership with both Hockey WA and the WA Institute of Sport, was endorsed by the national sport governing body.

As part of the deal, a new Hockey Australia Centre of Excellence – including four international hockey pitches and an indoor hockey centre with a 10,000-spectator capacity - would be built.

WA pipped bids by Victoria and the ACT, ensuring the program will remain in Perth for at least 18 years.

Aside from the state government signing a development deed with the university in order to finalise land tenure components of the project, a venue lease has also been confirmed.

Once the new facility has been built, VenuesWest – which operates the majority of WA’s major sporting facilities – will own the venue on behalf of the state government.

The project’s $135 million price tag has not been adjusted since the initial announcement in 2022.

It is unclear if costs to deliver the new facilities may now be higher due to a raft of factors, including inflation.

“Congratulations to all involved in getting to this important milestone,” Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman said.

“I am confident the new home of hockey will be warmly welcomed by fans, players and the hockey community for generations to come.”