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Hands Oval Redevelopment

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Published 21 June 2022, updated 28 April 2023

Delivering a sustainable, multi-purpose sports facility to accommodate year-round sport, recreation and community activities, the Hands Oval redevelopment will enhance the facility's reputation as the premier Australian Football League destination in the region, providing improved male and female player change rooms, club facilities and an enhanced spectator experience.

Project timeline

Tender awarded for project
17/10/2022
Development application received
26/10/2022
Construction expected to commence (approximate)
12/06/2023
Expected completion (approximate)
01/09/2024
architect render showing two story pavilion

The City of Bunbury is pushing ahead with the highly anticipated redevelopment of Hands Oval.

To meet the needs of the changing building climate, and to include further works to complete the entire sporting precinct, Bunbury City Council supported increasing funding for this important community project at the April 26th Ordinary Council Meeting.

This was a crucial decision for the Council in addressing the building cost escalation being experienced across the construction industry, impacting many businesses and our general community. The decision means the facility will meet current AFL ‘Category 4’ standards, while also including parking and road upgrades, footpaths, a new entrance and ticket boxes.

It is no secret the existing facilities at Hands Oval are outdated, and this redevelopment will see construction of a new 751-seat, two-storey stadium to accommodate year-round sport, recreation and community activities catering for participation by both females and males, including people living with disability.

Undertaking these additional works will reduce future interruptions on our community while also ensuring a complete sporting precinct ready for exhibition matches and major events, and fortifying Bunbury as a sporting destination.

The project is being funded through $6.8 million from the City, $4.4 million through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, $8 million from Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ WA Recovery Plan funding, $150,000 from South West Football League and $200,000 from the West Australian Football Commission.

The City is committed to seeking further grant opportunities while also including the additional funding in the draft 2023-24 Budget.

The project is currently being finalised with construction expected to start in June, and completion in time for the 2024 South West Football League finals.