City matches sports club grant

The City will match the $1 million funds promised by the State Government during this year’s election campaign.

Riverton MLA Mike Nahan said Premier Colin Barnett committed the $1 million grant to the club’s restoration, provided the council matched the funding and developed a plan for the building to serve the community’s needs.

The sports club closed in November 2011 after it went into insolvency and the board handed the building’s keys over to the City.

The promise of City funds comes 18 months after the club surrendered the lease. Five thousand members were affected when the facility closed down.

The refurbishment will form part of the City’s Burrendah Precinct Project/Master Plan for future development of the area.

The vacant Willetton Sports Club, and nearby library and childcare centre, could be redeveloped as part of the plan.

In June 2012, the City appointed Hester Property Solutions to undertake a Burrendah Precinct Study to consider options for development of the City’s land and building assests located in the Burrendah Precinct.

Earlier in May, the study was presented to the council, which included a feasibility plan, a master plan, architectural concept plans and estimated costs, and opinions for implementing the master plan.

A City of Canning spokesman said the council would not endorse other aspects of the master plan until it had consulted with the community.

‘Overall, the Burrendah Precinct Plan has drawn criticism; there has been a strong support from the community towards the sporting elements of the plan,’ he said.

‘Exact details will be determined following engagement of an architect and consultation with stakeholders to identify what needs to be addressed in the refurbishment to ensure best use of the facility.’

It is likely that a newly elected council would undertake any further proposed works in the master plan.