THE highly anticipated Ellenbrook Leisure Centre will be built near the new Ellenbrook train station – and it will be bigger and better than originally planned, with land set aside by the state government allowing for a regional-level facility featuring a 50m pool, four indoor sports courts and much more.

The project has been one of the City of Swan’s key priorities, with funding commitments from state and federal governments, and a community in Ellenbrook which is passionate about having its own aquatic centre.

As many Ellenbrook residents would know, years of planning had gone into developing a leisure centre at another site in the suburb when COVID-19 threw those plans into disarray.

Pressure on the building industry forced delays which eventually led to City of Swan council putting the project on hold, before the state government making available a 4ha site near the new Metronet station – double the size of the previous site near Ellenbrook District Open Space.

After recent meetings between the City of Swan and the state and federal governments, the city has agreed to proceed with the facility at this new preferred site.

The state and federal governments have already committed $42 million to the project, with a similar level of funding to be provided by the city.

The city will develop a new design for the leisure centre – featuring a 50m outdoor pool, waterslides, three indoor pools and four indoor sports courts – with a view to starting work at the site next year.

City of Swan Mayor David Lucas said the city aimed to have a sod-turning ceremony in 2024 in line with completion of the Metronet project.

Deputy premier Rita Saffioti said residents of Ellenbrook have waited too long for a pool.

“I am very proud that the state government has been able to set aside land to ensure this project finally happens.

“The location we have identified is the best place for the new pool and leisure centre, and will ensure it integrates well with other key investments we are making in Ellenbrook – including the new Metronet station.”

Swan Hills MLA Jessica Shaw said the pool and leisure centre will deliver benefits for the people of Ellenbrook, Aveley, Bullsbrook and the Swan Valley – particularly given its location so close to public transport.

“Indoor and outdoor swimming and sporting facilities will mean our community can stay active all year round. Our schools can hold their carnivals locally. Families can enjoy the outdoor recreational spaces and the kids are going to love the waterslides. I’m excited to see this finally happen.”

Hasluck MHR Tania Lawrence said having all three levels of Government working together to finally start this project is the best possible outcome for the Ellenbrook community.

“People in the greater Ellenbrook area have waited long enough to see a modern aquatic and leisure centre built in their community. I am delivering the $30 million the federal government has committed so we can get on with the job of delivering for Ellenbrook and surrounding communities.