‘Rapid expansion’ of basketball behind need for $60 million redevelopment of Cockburn recreation centre

The Cockburn Basketball Association says the “rapid expansion” of the sport is driving an urgent need for a $60 million redevelopment of its recreation centre.

The call for increased facilities comes as Cockburn council progresses advocacy discussions for the Wally Hagan Recreation Centre — home to the Cockburn Cougars — to be redeveloped into eight indoor basketball courts and with supporting amenities such as a gym and health club.

The council decision on Tuesday night also greenlights the possibility of an expansion to 10 or 12 courts at a later date.

CBA chief executive Tyrone Thwaites told PerthNow the organisation had outgrown its courts and was not meeting baseline expectations of Basketball WA that affiliated associations have eight courts.

“We’re a 3000 playing member organisation,” he said.

“If you include parents in that as well, you’re heading towards north of 5000 members and we’re the biggest club in the City of Cockburn by quite a country mile.”

While the main stadium is in Hamilton Hill, the organisation also runs games out of Leisurefit Melville, Kennedy College, Emmanuel Catholic College, Cockburn ARC and Lakeland Senior High School.

Mr Thwaites said Wally Hagan Recreation Centre was not meeting the demand of local families and the city’s plan for eight courts may still be insufficient if constructed.

“The current facility is not fit for purpose anymore ... it’s only a four-court facility,” he said.

“Even with this redevelopment — and as good as and as positive as it is from the city — I suspect there will still be a significant shortfall to cater for demand.

“But to get everybody, or as many people as we can under one roof is really important.”

Mr Thwaites said he understood plans were subject to funding commitments.

“I know there is no firm timeline but obviously demand indicates the sooner the better for us — obviously you can’t rush these things either,” he said.

“There’s a Federal and State election next year, so it’s a very important time at the moment to be having conversations about the importance of this project.

Mr Thwaites said the facility had been talked about for the “better part” of 20 years, with council documents also revealing discussions have been in place since May 2010.

The council’s approval pushes ahead plans to expand across two sites for the redevelopment, with a third site earmarked for possible future expansion.

But any works are still subject to external funding and the State Government acquiring surrounding land for the deal.

While some of the land is owned by government arms like Main Roads WA, the Housing Authority and the WAPC, council documents reveal expected “challenges” with two of the required sites — including that of a private landowner who occupies a portion of the land and has indicated they are “not willing to negotiate” with the city.

Residents at Tuesday’s meeting also spoke out against the possibility of acquiring the third site on Carrington Street, which they say would disrupt the council’s commitment to a wildlife corridor.

Robyn Walsh questioned why the green link hadn’t been included in the Wally Hagan redevelopment assessment.

“The community and the City of Cockburn have an ongoing commitment to establishing a green ecological link from Beeliar Wetlands to the sea and east to west ecological link in the MRS land reserve,” she said.

“Why hasn’t that information come into the assessment for the Wally Hagan redevelopment assessment?”

City staff said they did not “consider it difficult” in achieving the green ecological link and proceeding with the redevelopment plan and an alternative motion from Cr Phoebe Cork was later lost to remove site three from the proposal.

Speaking to councillors, Cockburn Basketball Association vice-president Nina Nash said the development would be providing crucial community infrastructure.

“The CBA is in desperate need of facilities that can support its current and future member base,” she said.

“Without it, thousands of residents will go unserved for decades to come.”

Plans to progress advocacy discussions for the Wally Hagan Recreation Centre redevelopment were passed 7-2.