The City’s $6.7 million redevelopment of Morley Sport and Recreation Centre has been completed, and will be available to local sporting clubs and the community in the new year.
The new sports stadium, now managed by BlueFit, features two additional basketball courts, new change rooms and toilets to service the new sports hall and external sports fields. Installation of sports floodlighting and pitch realignment of the adjacent rugby fields at Pat O’Hara Reserve was also completed as part of the project. The City also expanded the centre’s existing group fitness room as part of the redevelopment to increase capacity for its members.
City of Bayswater Mayor Filomena Piffaretti said the City was thrilled to be able to welcome the community to enjoy the new sport and recreation facility this summer.
“The upgrade cements Morley Sport and Recreation Centre as a dedicated home for East Perth Basketball Association to host training and match play within a central venue. We’re proud to support the association in getting the facilities they needed right here in Morley,” she said.
“The new sports hall features FIBA approved wireless scoreboards; remote-controlled adjustable hoops for senior and junior basketball; LED match lighting and sprung floor with line markings for basketball and netball. Servicing the sports courts, there are two umpire rooms; a first aid room; office space; storage facilities and home and away changerooms with team benches, toilets and shower facilities.
“Accessibility has been carefully considered in the design of the new facilities. All doors and fittings have been designed with accessibility in mind, including light switches and a roll up drink fountain. An accessible ramp and external connecting pathway has also been constructed around the building from the carpark to the new court entrance, together with landscaping and a unique illuminated public art feature.
“The facilities will also benefit clubs and users of the sporting fields on Pat O’Hara Reserve. Perth Bayswater Rugby Union Club will be able to access the new changerooms for their training and matches as the centre has been designed to allow areas to be used exclusively and sectioned off when required.
"Solar panels will be installed on the roof of the new building. A reconfiguration of parking in and around Pat O’Hara Reserve to provide additional parking bays is planned for 2022, subject to funding allocated in the 2022-2023 budget.
"The redevelopment is one of four of the City’s major projects partly funded by its $5.09 million local economic and social stimulus package introduced in the 2020/2021 Financial Year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Minister for Environment; Climate Action and Commerce and Member for Morley, the Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA was instrumental in securing a $2 million Community Sport and Recreation Facility Fund grant towards the $6.7 million redevelopment. The redevelopment would not have been possible without the support of the State Government.”