TWO Morley-based sporting clubs and the City of Bayswater are in discussions to develop a potential “master plan” for the ageing Morley Recreation Centre and Pat O’Hara Reserve.
The Perth-Bayswater Rugby Union Club and East Perth District Basketball Association both play and train at the reserve and basketball courts.
Perth-Bayswater president Bob Meade said the more than 40-year-old club had been in contact with the City over the past year.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“We would like to see this whole area expanded to include our rugby club and to cater for the extra court for the East Perth Eagles,” he said.
“Then, I will suggest they should build a Men’s Shed at one end to cater for the older generation… this could become a real hub for the City of Bayswater.
“It is all in the embryo stage of planning so we are obviously starting to talk to government departments about commitments from them, as well as whatever else that we can contribute.”
Mr Meade said Bayswater Council granted the club a demountable change room for its female players, which will be completed in February.
“I was told by the Mayor that they were expecting another 10,000 residents coming in because of the new shopping centre and the new development… it (currently) does not cater for everybody,” he said.
Bayswater Mayor Barry McKenna said the recreation centre would be included in any potential master plan as it was part of the Reserve.
“The City’s officers have held discussions with the rugby and basketball clubs about the potential for developing a master plan for the Pat O’Hara reserve in Morley,” he said.
“A report will be going forward for consideration by council in February and a decision on whether to go ahead with preparing a master plan will be made then.
“Any potential master plan would have to look at current and future use, as well as the funding required, and developing the master plan would need to include extensive consultation with stakeholders and the wider community.”
East Metropolitan Region MLC Amber-Jade Sanderson said Labor was yet to confirm potential funding for the project.