$32m boost for HBF Park ahead of Women’s World Cup
Perth’s HBF Park will receive a $32 million upgrade to improve its facilities ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, while work is underway on the State Football Centre.
The historic Perth venue, which received a major redevelopment in 2012/13, will host matches as part of the tournament in two years’ time, with the improvements bringing the stadium up to FIFA standards.
The upgrade will include new LED floodlighting to replace the existing halogen lights; upgrading the pitch through removal, levelling and turf replacement; new player races and bench areas; and upgrades to the existing power supply, including a new switch room.
The funding will also cover temporary infrastructure such as additional seating and facilities for players, media and patrons to cater for the World Cup.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said “Securing games in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is a massive win for Western Australia.
“This investment in HBF Park will provide some much-needed upgrades to our premier soccer and rugby venue, while also enabling further temporary fit-outs for the World Cup games.”
The improvements will also benefit the stadium's long-term co-tenants, Perth Glory (A-League) and Western Force (Super Rugby).
View 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Stadiums >
Meanwhile, construction has commenced on Western Australia’s new State Football Centre at Queens Park, with the $32.5 million facility due for completion in 2023, to be used as a training facility for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The new purpose-built facility will include permanent seating for 700 spectators, with the ability to expand its capacity to 2,000 spectators through temporary seating for larger events.
It’ll also feature a two-story building with office space for Football West, two competition and training pitches, provision for three 5-a-side playing pitches and potentially two additional community pitches.
The Federal and State governments have each contributed $16.25 million in funding to the project, which will support junior and high-performance development and grassroots community football programs.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the State Football Centre would serve as a centre-of-excellence for Australia and the Indian Ocean rim.
“The State Football Centre will be a game-changer for Western Australia as participation in football continues to expand,” Mr Joyce said.
“The Australian Government is committed to providing modern, equitable and long-lasting facilities for grassroots sporting clubs through to the elite level.”
WA Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti said the State Football Centre would create a dedicated home for football development in Western Australia.
“Football has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity in recent years as young Western Australians participate in record numbers across our communities,” Dr Buti said.
“The creation of such a facility will ensure WA is well-placed to nurture the future stars of the world game, right here in WA.
“As an integrated facility it will be a home for Football West's day-to-day administration and include training facilities and playing fields to support grassroots, community and high performance football programs.
“The design and footprint of the facility will also enable future expansion to meet the growth requirements of the sport.”
