$14m makeover proposed to transform Wanneroo’s ‘ageing’ recreation centre into community hub.

Detailed summary

An ‘ageing’ recreation centre will be transformed into a community hub under a proposed $14.15 million refurbishment.

An ‘ageing’ recreation centre at Scenic Park will be transformed into a community hub under a proposed $14.15 million refurbishment.

While a new sports hub proposal at Scenic Park next to the Wanneroo Recreation Centre was shelved last year, the City of Wanneroo is still seeking to give the “ageing” facility a new lease on life.

After assessing four options, including retaining the existing facility without major upgrades or complete demolition, city officers are recommending the council endorse a $14.15 million refurbishment with architectural upgrades as its preferred approach.

The proposed redevelopment would re-purpose the existing building, which currently houses indoor basketball courts and meeting spaces, into a multi-purpose facility catering for a wider range of community uses.

Under the proposal, the sports courts would be converted into two community rooms, an activity room and a combined exhibition and education space, each with dedicated storage.

The existing multipurpose room would be transformed into a craft space with a new pottery kiln and additional storage, while other activity rooms and the kitchen would also be expanded.

Upgrades to the changerooms and the building’s external facade are also proposed. The plans do not accommodate a dedicated Scouts room or cafe.

The centre was built in the early 1970s and is non-compliant with current standards in several areas and in need of significant upgrades, according to the city.

“Due to the city’s growing population, previous community engagement has indicated that the ageing WRC facility is not only non-compliant with current standards but also fails to adequately meet the needs of the community and existing user groups,” city officers said.

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