Success – at last

A FEW weeks ago marked a historic occasion – The first AFLW game at Cockburn ARC Oval in Cockburn Central, a game which saw the Fremantle Dockers play their first home game at the ground against Port Adelaide. 

It was the perfect day for it too, the sun was shining, but not too much (I know because I didn’t get sunburnt!). 

Groups of friends together, with lots of young families amongst them on the grass banks. 

Noticeably there were many children there, the future generation of these teams. 

It’s one of the great things about the atmosphere at AFLW games, a real family friendly and festival feel. 

You can see why Cockburn were delighted to secure the games at Cockburn ARC Oval. 

On the subject of Cockburn, they’ve done a fantastic job, in partnership with the Fremantle Dockers to transform the area.

The sandy hill is still there, but far less noticeable behind large and vibrant signs declaring ‘AFLW Lives Here’. 

Gone are the tattered and fallen Cockburn Central West banners that were littered around the bottom of the fencing around the broader precinct – a small but noticeable improvement, with new vibrant fence signage through the precinct promoting the games. 

I’m sure there were little issues, but there was nothing that dampened to atmosphere for the 2514 in attendance.

There have been countless false dawns for Cockburn Central over the years. 

The Cockburn Quarter masterplan with the redevelopment of Cockburn Gateway (Yes, this is technically in Success but would be a cornerstone of the precinct) which has gone quiet on all fronts following the partial sale of the centre. 

Hotels, apartments, cafes and more were included in approved developments, with those plans seemingly disappearing altogether. 

Given these false dawns it was great to see a small glimpse into what the future of Cockburn Central could be – with a hive of activity on weekends. 

But this got me thinking, is Cockburn Central finally reached its turning point? 

In the town centre, a hotel is due to open in coming months with the neighbouring residential apartments on track for residents to move in come early 2027. 

Another new development has sold around 75 per cent of apartments before the first slab has even been poured. 

Just over the freeway in Jandakot, Perth Surf Park is under construction and due to open in 2027 as well. 

Add in plans for a future Fremantle Dockers expansion, and several blocks recently sold or listed on the market and the area is finally starting to see movement. 

Structure plans that cover Cockburn Central Town Centre and Cockburn Central West are reaching the end of their life and are due for renewal over the next 12-15 months. 

I’m sure land owners and developers will watch this closely. 

Planning has changed since these documents were created in 2007 and 2016 respectively and will generate a much more detailed plan. 

Now to include a personal opinion for a moment – I think increased height limits are a near certainty, and with a need for new housing this in isolation would be a good thing. 

But there is already limited public open space in the precinct and with increased density this space will become even more important so it will be very interesting to see what is eventually proposed, and then approved. 

So whilst Sunday August 16 was a historic day for the Fremantle Dockers and their first AFLW game at Cockburn ARC Oval, maybe it will also go down as a turning point for Cockburn Central itself.

Bradley Zarins
Bibra Lake