Concept plans unveiled by the City of Bayswater for the redevelopment of the much loved Maylands Waterland will see water play areas, inspired by local native flora and fauna, open for little ones to enjoy by November 2021.
In March 2020 Council approved draft concept plans for the redevelopment of the facility. The concept plans were based on feedback from the community and input from the Maylands Waterland Working Group.
The City subsequently engaged renowned landscape architect, Dr Josh Byrne, and his team to develop more detailed concept plans.
Mayor Dan Bull said Josh brings with him a wealth of experience.
“I am so pleased Josh Byrne is collaborating with the City on the concept plans for the redevelopment of Maylands Waterland.
“This facility is close to the hearts of many community members; so many people have fond memories of time spent at Waterland. I am confident the expertise Josh and his team bring to the project will ensure the City delivers a facility our community can be proud of and enjoy for generations to come.
Community members will get a sneak peek at concept plans for the redeveloped of Maylands Waterland during information sessions, hosted by Josh Byrne, at 10am on Saturday 29 August or 6pm and 7pm on Wednesday 2 September at the Maylands Peninsula Sport and Recreation Centre (located next door to Maylands Waterland).
“I would encourage community members to come along to our information sessions, check out the concept plans and hear Josh’s vision for the redeveloped Maylands Waterland first hand.
The design of the redeveloped Maylands Waterland is inspired by the Swan River, local native species and fauna. This theme will be incorporated within the facility through custom made play elements, artworks and sculptures.
The design incorporates best practice in bioengineering that will ensure that the facility does not negatively impact the health and ecological value of the Swan River. There will also be opportunities for environmental education and interpretation along the river foreshore. The balance of Whadjuk Nyungar and European heritage linked to the site is also reflected in many of the design features.
Mayor Dan Bull said the design is both inspiring and inclusive.
“The concept plans complement the natural beauty of the site while incorporating the variety of family-friendly water play elements our community told us they wanted. There will be access for all abilities, plenty of shade and links to the river foreshore. I am confident the plans capture the essence of the original Maylands Waterland.
“Waterland will continue to be place for younger children to build their confidence in the water with a water creek, wading pool and splash pad promised for delivery in November.
Maylands Waterland will be redeveloped in two stages. It is anticipated stage one will be completed and open for the community to use by November 2021. Stage one is costed at $3.5 million. Josh Byrne and his team have also prepared concept plans for stage two but they will be subject to the availability of future funding.
Dr Josh Byrne of Josh Byrne & Associates was keen to partner with the City.
“I’m excited to be working with the City on this project. It’s an incredible site and the facility has been an important part of local community life for many years. We now have an opportunity to create an iconic public space in keeping with local character and local environmental sensitivities. Best of all it will be fun and it will be inclusive.
Mayor Dan Bull said the redevelopment of Maylands Waterland was fast tracked as part of the City’s $5.09 million local economic and social stimulus package. Announced in May 2020, the package is aimed at stimulating the local economy by providing work for staff, local contractors and suppliers as they recover from the COVID-19 crisis.
Concept plans for the redeveloped Maylands Waterland can be viewed on the City’s engagement portal at engage.bayswater.wa.gov.au
Maylands Waterland redevelopment – a snapshot
STAGE ONE
Stage one of the redevelopment of Maylands Waterland is costed at $3.5million and will be delivered in November 2021.
Key features
- Splash pad, water creek, wading/splash pool, play areas, accessible toilets and changing rooms, shade sails and structures, grassed areas, community picnic areas including barbecues, provision for mobile catering, fencing and self-closing gates.
STAGE TWO
Stage two of the redevelopment of Maylands Waterland is costed at $3.7million and is subject to future funding.
Key features
- A leisure pool, additional changing rooms, family play spaces, community picnic areas including barbecues, connecting pathways throughout the foreshore reserve, redeveloped public toilets on the foreshore (at the boat ramp), improved localised living stream outflows to the Swan River.
Dr Josh Byrnes will be presenting the concept plants to the community first hand on Saturday 29 August (10am - 11am) and Wednesday 2 September (6pm - 7pm and 7pm - 8pm). For more information about the project or the community information sessions, visit the Engage Bayswater website here.