Bathers, Bombies and Outcomes: Proposed High Wycombe Community Hub Engagement Makes a Splash
The City of Kalamunda has released the Community Engagement Outcomes Report for the proposed High Wycombe Community Hub, with feedback now guiding the next phase of planning and design.
The City of Kalamunda is proud to showcase the outcomes of community engagement for the planning and design phase of the proposed High Wycombe Community Hub (proposed Hub), with this feedback informing the next stages of the proposed Hub.
In October 2025, the City launched an extensive engagement program, spanning two months to inform planning and design. Directly engaging more than 1,000 community members and reaching more than 145,000 people through a combination of surveys, focus groups, pop-up sessions, stakeholder briefings, and digital and printed communications.
Community feedback showed strong support for the proposed Hub, with many emphasising the need to prioritise Stage 1 aquatic and gym facilities. Community also showed a strong preference for a High Wycombe‑based name (potentially paired with a Noongar name) and highlighted the proposed Hub’s role as an active community focal point offering youth activities, events, and allied health services.
The findings of the Community Engagement Outcomes Report will be used to guide:
- design refinement and facility layout
- what is included and excluded within the intended scope as the design is developed
- accessibility and usability outcomes for all ages and abilities
- landscaping and place elements, including public art, naming and cultural recognition, including Aboriginal culture and local identity
Mayor Margaret Thomas said the completion of community engagement provides a clear foundation for the proposed project’s next steps.
“The community has provided clear, constructive input about what matters most in the proposed Hub and how it should function as a welcoming, accessible place for everyday activity and connection,” Mayor Thomas said.
“Just as importantly, we now have a strong evidence base to inform the next stage of design work and prepare the project for tender readiness.”
At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 9 December 2025, Council committed a funding contribution of $10 million towards the High Wycombe Community Hub project to be used in addition to the $60 million joint commitment from the Australian and Western Australian Governments.
The key scope includes indoor and outdoor lap pools, family and learn-to-swim pools, a warm-water pool and spa, sauna, gym and fitness rooms, a café/kiosk, crèche, allied health, and futureproofing for later stages should additional funding be secured.
Council also agreed to progress designs and coordination of the facility (including geothermal heating) through to contract preparation and request for tender phase and requested the Chief Executive Officer approach Federal Government members and other funding bodies to seek additional project funding.
In line with Council’s resolution, the City will now progress the project through further design development and coordination toward contract preparation and a request for tender phase. Upon completion of the tender phase, the construction of the proposed Hub will return to Council for endorsement.
The City thanks all community members who participated across the engagement program and encourages residents to continue following the project for updates.
This project is brought to you by the City of Kalamunda, with the proud support of the Australian and Western Australian Governments and Metronet.
The Community Engagement Outcomes Report is available on the City’s website.
For more information, contact the City of Kalamunda on (08) 9257 9999, email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au or visit https://engage.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/major-projects/high-wycombe-community-hub
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