Approval for a two-storey pavilion to replace an ageing sporting facility in Mount Claremont has got the ball rolling in UWA's multi-million-dollar plan to upgrade its sports complex.
Approval for a two-storey pavilion to replace an aging sporting facility in Mount Claremont has got the ball rolling in the University of Western Australia's multi-million-dollar plan to upgrade its sports complex.
The Metro Inner-North Joint Development Assessment Panel unanimously approved the university's $5.9 million proposal after meeting for less than half an hour this morning.
The new clubhouse, to be named Neil Donaldson Pavilion, will replace the western facility of AJ Williams pavilion at the oval along Stephenson Avenue in Mount Claremont.
Element planning associate Renee Young, on behalf of landowner UWA, said the existing pavilion was predominantly used for the university's AFL club but also available for affliated sporting teams.
Ms Young said the proposed Neil Donaldson Pavilion was designed to be a modern facility on par with other sporting clubs, including upgraded toilets, function areas, medical room, and umpire facilities.
"It is the first step in UWA's renewal of their aging sporting facilities at the sports park," she said.
According to a JDAP report, 12 UWA sporting clubs use the precinct.
JDAP member and City of Nedlands councillor Kerry Smyth said the pavillion would be a great enhancement to the area around McGillivray road.
There had been ongoing tension between Christ Church Grammar School and the community over playing fields along Stephenson Avenue, near the UWA Sports Park.
CCGS has been seeking to consolidate its sporting fields into one site instead of on opposite ends of the school, having had discussions on expanding the St John's Wood fields for about 20 years.
Part of the Claremont school's playing fields development include constructing an access road adjoining and immediately south of the proposed UWA pavilion, according to the JDAP document.
Ms Smyth's suggestion to include an access lane as part of the Neil Donaldson Pavilion construction did not receive support from her fellow panel members.
The City of Nedlands has confirmed there had been recent discussions with CCGS about the proposed access from Brockway Road to the proposed playing fields.
"The plans submitted as part of the development application for the proposed playing fields show vehicle access from Brockway Road, with a roundabout shown to facilitate future access to the north [the UWA land]," the JDAP document said.
The proposed pavilion name is in honour of Neil Donaldson, a coach and mentor at the UWA Football Club, who passed away in 2022.
In 2012, Mr Donaldson was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to Australian Rules Football in WA.
UWA previously estimated the pavilion would be completed in mid-2024.
