PCYC to see $2.86m revamp

The Rockingham PCYC is set to upgrade and expand its facilities in 10 months.

The State Government announced $2.86 million for the facility, which sees about 2400 attendances each month, on January 24.

The centre has provided a positive space for disadvantaged young people in Rockingham and Kwinana for decades.

The money will fund a variety of upgrades including an updated and expanded skate park, new indoor and outdoor spaces, more training opportunities and a range of after-school activities.

Premier and Rockingham MLA Mark McGowan said the revamped PCYC would be a community hub that would provide additional services to hundreds of young people.

“Rockingham is one of the fastest-growing cities in the State and projects like this are vital to ensuring our infrastructure keeps up with population growth and demand,” he said.

WA PCYC chief executive David van Ooran said he expected the upgrades to be completed in about 10 months.

The Rockingham PCYC facility opened in 1971.

Centre manager Justin Sambell said the existing buildings needed maintenance with the gym roof “leaking like a sieve”.

Mr Sambell said the funding for additional spaces would also allow the centre to run programs for more young people.

“We’re super excited about spending the money and turning this old place into something the community could be very proud of,” he said.

Mr Sambell said the new skate park would “seamlessly” blend the heritage of the existing structure, known colloquially as the Rocko Skate Park, with a modern design.

Rockingham police Senior Sergeant Neville Beard said PCYCs were great for diverting young people away from criminal behaviour.