Claremont pitch for centre

Councillors will consider a report behind closed doors but Mayor Jock Barker said councillors were likely to defer the matter.

However, Mr Barker said a new Claremont building could eventually become the base for a western suburbs council.

Premier Colin Barnett announced last Tuesday that the cities of Nedlands and Subiaco, towns of Cambridge, Claremont, Cottesloe and Mosman Park and Shire of Peppermint Grove would amalgamate and include North Fremantle, Wembley Downs and Churchlands.

Claremont approved concept plans for the new building in December last year, suggesting it would be finished in 2014.

It would replace the previous administration building which was destroyed by fire in November, 2010.

Plans by MPS Architects include a 50-seat public gallery, dining room, two open plan offices and meeting rooms.

There was also a provision for future additions if councils merged and required more space.

Mr Barker, who will continue his bid for a G4 council of Claremont, Cottesloe, Mosman Park and Peppermint Grove, said the Town would be the ideal hub for a new council because it was accessible by public transport.

But he said Cambridge was another option.

Cambridge Mayor Simon Withers said the location of the headquarters needed to be strategic.

Mr Withers said the new office could be used to revitalise a commercial precinct like Rokeby Road in Subiaco, which appeared to be on a gradual decline.

‘Bringing in 300-400 employees could be a good boost for trade,’ he said.

‘You also need to bear in mind access and parking.

‘We’ve just put in 1000 bays next to the old nursery site so we’re hoping to find a commercial activity that can use those car bays because Matthews (netball centre) parking is empty Monday to Friday.

‘A lot of thought has to go in to it.’

Local Government Minister Tony Simpson said the Government did not have a view on where the new western suburbs council should be based.

‘The seven councils will be asked by the Local Government Department to set up a local transition committee to discuss this and other issues,’ Mr Simpson said.