City of Melville to consider Bull Creek site as new home for Bicton Men’s Shed

BOB Gordon Reserve in Bull Creek could house a Men’s Shed after City of Melville backed away from establishing one in Bateman.

The Bicton Men’s Shed has operated from the Uniting Church on the corner of Canning Highway and Carrington Street since 2010.

But the group has outgrown its current home and the church is weighing up a redevelopment of the site.

At a council briefing Tuesday night, Melville’s neighbourhood development manager Leanne Hartill put forward a report suggesting Bob Gordon Reserve be investigated as the Bicton group’s new home.

“Bob Gordon Reserve has been identified as ideal for park improvements with engagement with the community and other stakeholders being undertaken to understand their requirement, interests and concerns,” her report said.

“An opportunity is presented to build on this knowledge and relationships to investigate the suitability of a men’s shed on this Reserve.”

If backed by council, the build could be considered among a $4 million revamp of the reserve that will include play areas for kids, exercise areas for the community, barbecue facilities and space for food vans.

But councillor Clive Robartson said he was “extremely disappointed” plans for a new men’s shed had moved away from Bill Ellson Reserve in Bateman.

“My concern now is we are putting another project into an area that is already part of an existing project, being the premier play space,” he said.

“I believe these are two separate items which should be kept separate.”

Ms Hartill said Bateman was a “favourable location” although proximity to residents had prompted the City to consider other sites.

Cr June Barton said she was concerned with Bull Creek “simply because I’m not sure it’s on a transport node”.

“A lot of the people who go to the men’s shed come from a fairly wide area,” she said.

“To go down to Bull Creek would be quite a distance for them.”

Ms Hartill said transport options were a priority.

“There are transport routes that are parallel to this area but we will investigate that further,” she said.

Her recommendations will be considered at the May 15 council meeting.

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