History

The Champion Lakes project, a 122 hectare site, was identified in the 1990's by the City of Armadale and the Western Australian Planning Commission as the location for a regional scale recreational facility with a water-based focus. In early 2002, the Project was transferred to the Armadale Redevelopment Authority, who finalised the design and sought and achieved environmental approvals. The Armadale Redevelopment Authority actioned a contract with Main Roads, WA, to execavate the lake for fill to construct the adjacent Tonkin Highway. In May 2005 water started to flow into the large man-made basin, forming WA's only purpose built rowing facility. It took 2.8 gigalitres of non-potable water to fill the entire course. The first stage of the main project was the completion of roadworks and drainage in February 2007.

In April 2007 500 competitors and a big crowd of spectators opened the Centre with its first event, the Champion Lakes Regatta.

May 2008 marked the first stage in the overall development of the Champion Lakes Regatta Centre with the opening of the boat shed storage area, the official launch of the Champion Lakes Boating Club.

Stage 2 works commenced mid 2009 and were completed in October 2010. Included in Stage 2 were the start and finish tower and starting systems for rowing and kayaking. This infrastructure will allow the venue to host international events.

In 2012 the Champion Lakes Regatta centre was transferred to VenuesWest is Western Australia's provider of premier sports, recreation and entertainment venues and its portfolio includes Perth Arena, Challenge Stadium, Arena Joondalup, WA Athletics Stadium, WA Basketball Centre, Midvale Speeddome, WA Rugby Centre, and Perth Motorplex.

Paths to Entice Walkers and Cyclists

Event paths, pedestrian and cycle ways have been constructed around the warm up lake to ensure Champion Lakes is a multi-use recreation area for all to enjoy. Landscaping and revegetation around the facility is ongoing and designed to create a pleasant and enjoyable walking or bike riding experience for the community.

Weather Station

In November 2007 an automatic weather station was installed to provide data to the Bereau of Meteorology. With the addition of the weather station, the rowing course meets international regatta standards.

Focus on Aboriginal Heritage

The Aboriginal Interpretive Centre will provide a place for local Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal visitors to meet, celebrate and showcase Aboriginal culture. The indigenous community have played a huge role in the design of the centre, working closely with appointed architects Gresley Abas, to ensure it represents their people and a place of reconciliation. The costs were in excess of $2.0 million to construct this exciting and significant development.

The project will provide a public outdoor amphitheatre with change rooms, an interpretive trail which includes bush tucker and medicine plants and a prominent canopy of Nyoongar artworks. Construction is nearing completion.