Foundational Objectives Guiding the Project
The Australian Hockey Centre is guided by four foundational drivers that were established from the outset of the project bid. These principles ensure that every decision is anchored to a clear set of objectives.

These priorities reflect the dual ambition of the project: to serve as a world-class base for Australia’s elite hockey teams, while also serving as a competition venue for local, state, national and international hockey competitions.

Athlete – Placing the needs of athletes at the core, with leading facilities to support training, recovery, and well-being for the high performance program and giving  access to international standard playing facilities.

Wellness – Designing a holistic environment that promotes physical and mental health, both for high-performance users and the broader community.

High Performance – Facilities to international FIH standard, providing the infrastructure necessary for the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos to remain at the top of their game.

Community – Ensuring the centre is an open, inclusive hub that welcomes the wider public and builds connections across sport, education, and the wider community.

Design Vision
The overarching design vision for the Australian Hockey Centre is one of excellence, inclusivity, and legacy. Architecturally and programmatically, the Australian Hockey Centre is purpose-built to support Hockey Australia’s high-performance program, and create a welcoming environment for the broader community.

The facilities include four turf pitches—two will meet the FIH global certification and include broadcast-standard lighting— two purpose-built indoor hockey courts, a national first. A shared administration hub for Hockey Western Australia and Hockey Australia, combined with high-performance facilities including a gym, recovery area, and study spaces, dedicated to the high performance athletes. A hospitality offering, including event and gathering spaces, adds to the broader visitor experience and provides critical infrastructure for the home clubs.

From a master planning perspective, the Australian Hockey Centre transforms an inward-facing venue into an open, connected civic asset. A central pedestrian spine links the site to the wider precinct, including Curtin University, public transport, and future light rail. Community-focused features such as public art, hockey memorabilia,  play areas, and open public space ensure the centre is activated beyond game days.. The masterplan of the site has also envisaged it as a major event venue, capable of hosting international level competition, large crowds and sophisticated broadcast partners.

Honouring Country and Landscape
The design team is working to honour the Indigenous stories of the site as described in the ‘Living Knowledge Stream Design Guidance’ document published by Curtin University and authored by Dr. Noel Nannup. The Australian Hockey Centre master plan acknowledges the ‘Kujal Kela’ the twin dolphin songline, manifesting the continuity of land and story across the site. The project team will be working with the Indigenous knowledge holders to bring the narrative to life through interpretive display and story strategically located within the site.

The landscape character of the site, including mature pine trees and existing wetlands, are celebrated within the master plan. The design respects the character of place and balances the architectural presence with ecological sensitivity — merging landscape and built form into a cohesive, grounded environment.