Project Overview
The Wickham Oval Redevelopment will address longstanding drainage and surface issues, improve safety, and replace outdated sporting infrastructure.
The project will deliver better year-round playing conditions, reduce weather related disruptions, improve user safety, and provide enhanced facilities to better support local sport, schools, events, and wider community use.
Works Include
- Re-levelling the oval and relaying turf
- Upgrading the irrigation system
- New cricket pitch installation
- Upgrading lighting and sports goals
- Formalisation of the Carse Street car park
- Drainage improvements to site and along Carse Street
Access and Safety
The Wickham Oval and Carse Street car park will be closed to the public during the construction period. The Wickham Pavilion and associated storage sheds will remain open; however, access may be temporarily affected. Drainage works along Carse Street may result in minor traffic impacts under a managed Traffic Management Plan, with further updates to be provided as the project progresses. Please follow all signage and use alternative facilities, including South Park Oval and the Roebourne District High School Oval.
Project Updates
The Wickham Oval and informal car park along Carse Street is scheduled to be closed from 29 September 2025 and reopen by May 2026. The timing of these works has been coordinated to align with the summer sporting season to minimise disruption to local clubs and schools, with consideration for construction safety and turf establishment.
A special thanks to Rio Tinto for funding and supporting the redevelopment of Wickham Oval.
For questions about the project, please use the City’s ‘Report It’ portal at karratha.wa.gov.au/report-it
Timeline
Construction Commencement - Sports Oval and Field Closure Implemented
September 2025
Sports Field Lighting Installation
Completed - September 2025
Demolition
Completed - October 2025
Bulk Earthworks and Playing Surface Re-levelling
Completed - November 2025
Sports Oval Lighting Installation
Commenced - December 2025
Irrigation and Roll-on Turf Installation
January 2026
Carse Street Carpark Formalisation
February 2026
Playing Surface Establishment Period Completion
May 2026 - Wickham Oval Re-opening
Why is Wickham Oval being upgraded?
To fix drainage and surface issues, improve safety, and provide better facilities for sport, school and community use.
What work is being done?
The project includes releveling the oval, installing new turf and irrigation, upgrading lighting and sports goals, and formalising the Carse Street Car Park with drainage improvements.
How long will the oval be closed?
From September 2025 to May 2026, to allow construction and turf establishment.
Why is the project happening now?
The timing aligns with the summer season, minimise disruption to sporting clubs and schools. It also ensures works are completed before the next wet season, helping resolve longstanding drainage and surface issues. By scheduling now, we can take advantage of current funding opportunities and deliver the upgrades in one coordinated program, reducing overall cost and downtime.
Where can we play during the closure?
Alternative venues will be arranged and communicated to clubs and the school ahead of time. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to use other available facilities, including South Park Oval and the Roebourne District High School Oval.
Who is funding the upgrade?
Rio Tinto are funding the Wickham Oval Redevelopment project.
How can I get updates?
Check the City of Karratha website, follow us on Facebook, or join the Facebook event for this project.
Will the upgrades affect my access to the Wickham Recreation Precinct?
No. Access to the Wickham Recreation Precinct will remain open, with only the playing surfaces and the informal car park along Crase Street unavailable during works.
Will any of the carparks or walkways be affected?
Walkways and formalised carparks will remain open and accessible. Any disruptions will be minimal and only occur if necessary for safety reasons.
Progress photos and updates will be added to this webpage and of the City of Karratha Facebook page throughout the works.