Project Overview
The JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub (JDHYCH) is Port Hedland’s principal youth precinct. So popular has the provision of an air-conditioned indoor activity space for youth (and children) that the centre is now in desperate need of expansion and associated improvements.
Shaded outdoor courts will provide accommodation for ongoing recreational pursuits in the harsh climate. The proposed redevelopment program will not only address the recreation and social needs of local youth and children, it will also serve as a primary welfare and community emergency centre.
Other key objectives addressed by the Masterplan are to formalise foot traffic flow through the undeveloped land in the precinct; help to alleviate Port Hedland’s significant shortages in childcare provision; and provide a new home for the South Hedland Library noting the existing library building is at the end of its useful life.
The entire precinct will be improved, integrated and presented with contemporary facilities and landscaping.
These facilities will include:
- Refurbishment of the existing centre, including a roof replacement, upgrading
of the air-conditioning and internal modifications
- Shaded outdoor multi-use courts
Library
- Childcare centre
- Outdoor elements including a new primary entry point
- Youth engagement facilities including a BMX pump track, skate grinding and obstacles and shaded seating areas
- Shaded Amphitheatre
The JDHYCH currently offers three outdoor hard courts, multi-marked for basketball and netball. They accommodate the highly successful SLAM basketball program and a variety of other competitions and tournaments throughout the year. Whilst the courts are lit allowing for evening use, they are uncovered, rendering them uncomfortable - if not unusable during the day, particularly in the hot summer months. An upgrade to the court surface and the installation of a shade shelter will greatly enhance their usability throughout the year and move the facility to a more contemporary standard. This importance and priority of this element has already been recognised by the state government offering support through the CSRFF program administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
Hedland community priorities drive youth precinct expansion
Published on Wednesday, 7 September 2022
Kevin Michel MLA has officially opened the second stage expansion and redevelopment of the JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub (JDHYCH) in South Hedland to deliver a premium sporting and recreational facility for the town.
The $7.5 million investment towards the second stage development was primarily funded by the Town of Port Hedland, with $750,000 provided through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund.
The project includes three new multi-use courts, the installation of a shade shelter, an amphitheatre, landscaping and an accessible change room.
Kevin Michel MLA welcomed the opening of the second stage development to support increased access, across all ages and abilities, to Port Hedland’s principal youth precinct.
“Sport and recreation is a big part of living in Hedland, and can make a great difference to the future direction of young people’s lives.
“This substantial redevelopment not only addresses the recreation and social needs of local young people and children, but it will also serve as a primary welfare and community emergency centre.”
Initiated from community feedback and consultation, the new shaded outdoor courts also feature lighting, and are designed to provide both relief from the Pilbara climate and extend opportunities to pursue recreational activities.
With community programs offered at JDHYCH currently averaging 2,500 visits each month, the expansion will increase what activities and opportunities can be offered to children and young people.
Mayor Peter Carter said this is another example of the Town’s commitment to deliver quality public infrastructure that serves community need.
“The Town is committed to creating a thriving, resilient and inclusive future for our diverse community.
“A key part of this is investing in civic and recreational amenity and services that make Hedland a great place to live – we want more people to call Hedland home.
“Our investment in the JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub is an important step in achieving this.
“My thanks go to the teams that works with young people in our community and helped to bring this fantastic centre to completion.”
Pictured: Mayor Peter Carter and Kevin Michel MLA cut the ribbon at the official opening of the JD Hardie stage 2 works in South Hedland, Wednesday 7 September 2022.
Above: drone pictures of stage 2 works progressing
Key Benefits
- The new facility will include:
- A story pathway
- Amphitheatre
- 5 new shade structures and an entry statement
- New shaded multi-user courts
- New car park and bus stop
Project Costs
The budget for the project is $7,546,233.
The project has received $750,000 from the WA State Government through a Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund grant.
Project Partners
The Town of Port Hedland is driving this project, and has received funding from the WA State Government through a Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund grant. The State Government, through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, is a major supporter of community sport and recreation facilities in Western Australia. Sport and recreation builds stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities.