The transformation of the Perth Hockey Stadium is well underway, with the first of four international-standard pitches now complete at the site of the future Australian Hockey Centre.

The upgraded northern pitch, featuring a world-class playing surface and new LED broadcast-quality lighting, marks a key milestone in the $163 million redevelopment project at Curtin University.

This initial work ensures players can continue accessing the field while major construction progresses across the remainder of the site.

The facility will become the long-term home of Hockey Australia’s Centre of Excellence and High Performance Program. In December 2022, Perth secured its position as Australia’s home of hockey for the next 18 years.

The redevelopment will see the current stadium demolished and replaced with a new three-storey venue, including 1,000 fixed seats, changerooms, kitchen and bar facilities, and community function spaces.

Once complete, the venue will be capable of hosting major international events such as the Hockey World Cup, with spectator capacity to increase from 6,000 to 10,000.

Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti said the investment aligns with the State Government’s commitment to strengthening elite and grassroots sport.

“Our government is proud to be investing a record amount into sports infrastructure to support both grassroots and elite levels of sport,” Minister Saffioti said.

“Australia has always been one of the best countries in the world in hockey, and when finished, this state-of-the-art hub will promote our State as a global leader in the sport.”

The wider complex will also feature three new outdoor pitches, two of which will meet international standards, as well as a two-storey indoor centre with courts and administrative facilities.

A children’s pitch and additional multi-purpose facilities have also been added to the project to increase access for community sport.

To support the expanded scope, the Western Australian Government has increased its original $135 million commitment by a further $28 million, taking the total investment to $163 million.

The redevelopment, approved by the WA Planning Commission and supported by the Town of Victoria Park, will be delivered in two stages.

Stage one includes the core stadium and pitch development, while stage two will complete the southern and eastern pitches, landscaping, and pedestrian links.

The centre will remain at Curtin University, where Hockey WA has been based for over 40 years.

A new ground lease between Curtin and VenuesWest, operator of Optus Stadium and other major venues, has been finalised. Once completed, VenuesWest will manage the facility on behalf of the State Government.

The redevelopment is expected to be completed by April 2029, ensuring Perth remains at the heart of Australian hockey for decades to come.