The clubhouse is shared between EFLC and the East Fremantle Cricket Club, with administrators from both clubs pushing to expand their aging clubroom, giving them the opportunity finally to install a change room for their female players as well as disability access and a larger common room that they can rent out to other community groups.
EFLC deputy president Peter Cann said the clubhouse was built in 1964 with an extension in the mid 80s, but another was needed to bring the facility up to date.
‘It is important that the needs for our girls and women’s teams are upgraded; the provision of disabled toilets and access are essential and the connection or replacement of septic tanks to the deep sewerage is a pressing need,’ he said.
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READ NOW‘The proposal will also provide much-needed change room facilities for visiting cricket and lacrosse teams.’
With four concepts on the table, the clubs have agreed on the one that has the least impact on residents’ views of the Swan River, and are waiting on approval and the possibility of funding from the Town of East Fremantle.
Mr Cann said they needed $450,000 for the upgrade, which would be achieved through a Department of Sport and Recreation Grant, the Town of East Fremantle, the State Government and fundraising efforts from the two clubs.
‘The Town have been supportive on an in-principle basis, we have now lodged our cost estimate to them for inclusion in this year’s budget,’ he said.
‘Both clubs work closely together to promote our sports year round and we agree that the proposal to upgrade our facility will add value to our community and an option to provide access to other community groups over time.’
Town acting mayor Alex Wilson said it had not received a planning application but had agreed to it in principle.
‘It would have to go out for community consultation and be reviewed by the Swan River Trust, but it is certainly in our budget to support it,’ she said.
‘We would support about 30 per cent of what was needed and the club would usually provide the rest.
‘We support both of these organisations, as we do all of our sporting clubs.’