West Australia’s State Squash Centre set to host first event after renovations

West Australia’s State Squash Centre will host the Australian National Championships this week 13 to 16 June, following significant renovations. 

The Belmont Squash Centre as the centre was then known, was officially opened by the Wheatley family by hosting the 1973 Australian National Championships. At that time, the courts were some of the most advanced in the country and the pinnacle of all centres in WA.

Over the past 50 years, the squash centre has been an integral part of Belmont sporting community, with the centre purchased in 2019 to become State Headquarters of Squash WA. 

With assistance from the WA State Government (DLGSCI), improvements have been made in three phases over the past few years to bring the centre back to its former glory. 

Upgrades in Phase 1 included new lighting, paint and carpet, complete renovations to the bathrooms and change rooms, a new foyer and significant repairs to the centre’s roof. 

Phase 2 saw all eight squash courts playing surfaces replaced, with Courts 3, 4, 7 and 8 becoming glass back courts, and Courts 1-4, 7 and 8 also becoming glass front.

The final phase which is yet to begin will see the front of the centre revamped. 

Squash WA General Manager Leigh-Anne Kaye has overseen the major renovations at the centre.  

“Due to the works we have undertaken over the past year or so, we have vastly-improved viewing capability and player comfort,” said Leigh. 

As squash courts suffer from wear and damage due to the nature of the sport, they can not only look less appealing but also make it harder for athletes to compete at their best.

“The previous court floors were aged, tired, slippery and buckled from rain damage due to roof leaks and age. 

“With the flooring now replaced and now having the first glass front courts in Perth, we have been able to offer players the opportunity to experience modern squash court technology first-hand.”

The first major event the centre will host since the redevelopment will be the Australian National Championships this week, the first of what is hoped will be many more elite events in the future.

“Having a beautiful, spacious, state-of-the-art centre is a crucial element in the bid to host national and/or large scale events,” said Leigh. 

“For new players to squash, we hope our centre showcases squash as a modern sport opposed to the old days of the 1980s. By hosting events such as ANC we look forward to welcoming the community and hopefully a few more players!” 

The Australian National Championships will be held at the WA State Squash Centre from 13 to 16 June, for more information visit here.