Epic $8.9M BMX track opens in Perth after two years
Eager riders got to drop the gates on the new track earlier this month and those who have been around the circuit appear as proud of the finished product as they are of the local BMX officials and volunteers who have spent five years campaigning, fundraising and waiting for the $8.9 million rebuild.
The floodlit facility now also includes a public pump track and playground, barbecue facilities, a rebuilt clubroom, public toilets and car parking.
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Cockburn BMX club chairman Kirk Taylor is expecting an immediate increase in local uptake of the two-wheel sport.
'It will be a popular destination for BMX racing and training, community BMX riding, birthday parties and family gatherings,' Mr Taylor said.
But the path back to racing at Malabar proved as bumpy as the high-paced circuit that riders are now enjoying.
COVID, cost blowouts and tough choices for the City of Cockburn, which has borne the brunt of the $8.9 million financial outlay for the rebuild, would end up leaving the small club without a home track for more than five years. The Cockburn BMX club has been vying for a functional track since 2020. Credit: Gabby Jameson/supplied / RegionalHUB
The ageing facility was struggling with drainage and general maintenance when Cockburn BMX made the decision to walk away from its weekly racing in 2020 in the belief that construction would start in 2021.
In fact, it wasn't until 2023 that Cockburn council formally committed the money required, after a couple of false starts where the club had first pushed for a more expensive, international standard track and cost-overruns had threatened the project altogether.
While this weekend is all about showing off the new circuit and surrounds to the local community, in the future Malabar Park could play host to interstate riders and national level events with its Union Cyclist Internationale accredited track including a 5m start ramp. Saya Sakakibara celebrates after winning gold in the women's BMX racing final in Paris. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP
Australia's reigning Olympic gold medallist Saya Sakakibara and French bronze medallist Romain Mahieu have already tested the track and told Mr Taylor 'it was perfect for all skill levels'.
'Whether riders participate for fun and fitness or are on elite development pathways, the improvements to Malabar Park will now provide riders with modern, world-class infrastructure in which to train and compete,' Mr Taylor said.
'The facility will attract national BMX events and draw competitors from across Australia, potentially injecting millions of dollars into the local community.
'Increased community interest in BMX will help the club expand, as new participants experience what our members have enjoyed for over 30 years.'
It continues a boom period for local BMX racing. In the past 12 months since Sakakibara did the nation proud at Paris, the Wanneroo track in Perth's north reopened its rebuilt track and now Cockburn has followed suit. Saya Sakakibara (L) has won gold in BMX racing at the Paris Olympics. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP
Wanneroo BMX Club secretary Melanie Cox said their redevelopment was already raising the bar for BMX in WA and led to the club having 'lots of new member inquiries coming through'.
Saturday's community event at Malabar Park, from 10am to 2pm, will include entertainment, an exclusive riders showcase and food trucks.
City of Cockburn mayor Logan Howlett said the revitalised facility now offered something for everyone.
'Whether you are a BMX enthusiast or a family looking for a fun day out, these fantastic facilities are here for the benefit of all Cockburn residents,' Mr Howlett said.
'The UCI accreditation means the track can be used for larger competitions, which will bring people from around Australia to Cockburn all year round.
'These welcome visitors will contribute to the local economy by spending on goods and services, with this significant investment also yielding economic benefits for the city, its businesses and residents.'
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