Expansion Project Update – December

With the WBA stadium expansion project now 80% completed and the new hall open and operational the project has now advanced into the final stage of construction being the demolition and refurbishment of the old hall and the completion of the office, foyer, function room and café and upstairs area.

The feedback we have received on the new hall has been very pleasing and we thank all our patrons for your patience whilst we await for our new score benches and additional spectator seating to arrive, these will add the finishing touches to the hall. It will be fantastic to be able to play our SBL Tigers games within the new hall in 2020 and to bring the show court to life with the new retractable grandstand seating and sponsors viewing gallery overlooking the show court it will be an enjoyable experience for all visitors to the stadium.

The old hall will also have new rings and new timber flooring throughout and incorporate similar seating to that of the new hall, and it’s fair to say there was just a little bit of spare change found underneath the old courts!

Upon removal of the timber flooring in the existing courts, cement fibre packers were found underneath the old stadium courts supporting the timber bearers. Their use is not widespread but have been introduced where necessary to take account of the uneven concrete floor below the courts. Upon closer examination, some of the packers were found to be cut from asbestos sheet. We immediately liaised with the City of Canning, the project management team and specialists in this field regarding any potential risk to the construction teams and our staff & patrons.  The conclusion from this inclusive assessment exercise is that the asbestos removal process is deemed extremely low risk.

The material uncovered has been assessed as in good condition with a very low risk of potential disturbance however WBA has undertaken to have the area environmentally cleared. It has been agreed that all material used as packers under the joists will be removed as if it were asbestos waste (as a worst case scenario). The works will be carried out by a qualified and licensed removalist contractor in accordance with Worksafe WA Code of Practice. This code defines the conditions, processes and protocols to be observed and implemented for safe removal and handling of this type of waste.

The work areas will be cordoned off, signage will be erected around the immediate works area and continuous air monitoring will occur while the removal works are underway. As a precautionary measure and providing for a high level of health and safety, WBA will restrict access to the immediate area whilst removal work is underway. (the area is already fenced off from public access as a building site at present). The removal work will commence on 3/12/2019 and is expected to last for up to 8 working days and will involve low risk, non-friable, bonded sheet material only.

If anyone has any questions please don’t hesitate to contact the office.

There is no doubt that 2019 has been a challenging year for all involved at WBA as we embarked on the long awaited expansion project, and we would like to sincerely thank all stadium users and patrons for your patience and support of our operations during the year.  The good news is that, despite a few small road bumps, the project remains on track as per the original timelines for completion at the end of January 2020 and we look forward to the completion of the stadium and operating from our new facility from February onwards.

Lastly can I take this opportunity on behalf of the WBA board and stadium staff to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing you all back and enjoying Willetton Stadium in 2020.

Regards

 

Mark Winnett, Chief Executive Officer