The simple shipping port town of Port Hedland begins makeover projects that will mark its transformation into a regional city.

Port Hedland mayor Kelly Howlett announced three new community projects. The recreation centre, “Kings Park of the North, and a youth centre “will be cornerstones of the new city,” Howlett said. These infrastructure, she added, will “improve its liveability.”

Satellite suburb South Hedland is the site of the most of the social and community infrastructure. The city mayor explained that “about two-thirds of the population is in South Hedland and that is where the council wants to see the growth in the population happen.”

The city council expects the current combined Port and South Hedland population of 19,500 is to reach 40,000 by 2025.

The projects are part of the State Government's Pilbara revitalization plan. About $11 million of the project funds come from Royalties for Regions. BHP Billiton Iron Ore (BHP) matches the amount with an $11 million contribution. Auzcorp and the council will provide the $10.7 million balance.

Early this month, Doric Construction began work on the $32.7 million multi-purpose recreation centre in the 4395 square meter site in South Hedland. The state-of-the-art indoor sport and recreation facility is due to be completed by March 2012.