TWO basketball courts, changerooms and relocated rugby pitches are on the cards for the Morley sporting precinct.
The precinct is home to YMCA, East Perth District Basketball Association (EPDBA), Perth-Bayswater Rugby Union Club and Morley Scout Group.
Bayswater Council has endorsed a master plan and final concept design for Pat O’Hara Reserve and Morley Sport and Recreation Club.
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READ NOWThe design includes two basketball courts, spectator seating for about 300 people, two team and two umpire changerooms, male and female public toilets, office space for the East Perth District Basketball Association, first aid room, reconfigured parking, relocated rugby pitches and relocated sports field lighting.
The natural turf of the playing fields will also be retained.
It is expected to cost $9.5 million, with the State Government funding $2 million towards the staged redevelopment.
To cover the $7.5 million shortfall in funding, the City of Bayswater will investigate funding opportunities from Federal and State governments, Lotterywest and state sporting bodies.
EPDBA currently has 1000 juniors competing in its Saturday domestic competition and is renting out other locations for games and training including Guildford, Mirrabooka and Maylands.
Executive member Mario Macri said given the site restrictions and individual needs of the user groups, the plan was the best outcome.
“Basketball is a growing sport in Western Australia and the additional basketball courts will enable EPDBA to expand its domestic competition,” he said.
“This expansion will enable more children to participate in playing basketball within the City of Bayswater and its surrounds.
“Additionally the courts will be utilised to expand the competition and training venues for senior players and enable EPBDA to more easily accommodate its WABL games in both the men’s and women’s competitions.”
Mr Macri thanked the City and other user groups in working with the association to reach an agreement.
Perth-Bayswater Rugby Union Football Club did not respond to requests for comment.