Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
The City of Bayswater is proposing to sell a section of prime public land at Wotton Reserve for just $1 to developer Pelligra Group as part of a multimillion-dollar redevelopment that would establish a permanent home for Perth Glory’s women’s program.
In a behind closed doors meeting last July, the council agreed to advertise the proposed sale of part of the reserve around existing soccer pitches and skate park.
The proposal is now out for community consultation.
The land, independently valued at $1,395,000 under its current zoning, would be sold for a nominal $1 if the council determines the public benefits outweigh the financial return.
“In this case, the proposed price reflects that the city is seeking to achieve broader long-term community outcomes from the development, rather than a one-off financial return,” a council report said.
The land is currently zoned public open space. It is understood this would need to change if it is sold.
The proposed development features a new 1000-seat stadium that would become the home of Perth Glory’s A-League Women squad, National Premier League teams and academy, alongside about 208 apartments across three buildings ranging from six to nine storeys, and almost 10,000sqm of commercial space.
Expected benefits include “renewal of an underutilised part of the reserve”, upgraded sporting facilities, “a permanent base for elite women’s sport within the city”, more housing close to public transport, new businesses and increased long-term rates revenue.
Chief executive Jeremy Edwards said the city was now seeking community feedback before the council decided if it would go ahead with the deal.
Mr Edwards said the city would continue working with sporting clubs based at Wotton Reserve throughout the process.
“The city will continue to engage with both the Morley Windmills and Bayswater Petanque Club as key stakeholders of the site,” he said.
“The city recognises the important role community sporting clubs play in our community and we have assured the clubs that we will continue to work with them.”
He said while the land had been independently valued under its existing planning controls, major infrastructure upgrades would be needed before any redevelopment could occur.
“The valuation considers the current zoning and site constraints, which includes a lack of deep sewerage and other services,” Mr Edwards said.
“For the land to be developed, significant investment would be required on this land.”
He said servicing costs across the broader precinct were estimated at between $25m and $30m.
Morley Windmills Soccer Club president Garth Hopkinson sought to reassure members the club’s future at Wotton Reserve was not under immediate threat.
PerthNow understands the club was made aware of the news only the day before the announcement.
“I want to reassure all members that Morley Windmills Soccer Club will continue to train and play at Wotton Reserve, and there are no immediate changes to our current operations,” he said.
Mr Hopkinson said the club, which has more than 700 members, would work with the city and developer to protect its long-term future.
“Our priority is to ensure that the interests of our members and the long-term future of Morley Windmills Soccer Club are protected throughout this process,” he said.
The club said it would advocate for outcomes that preserved its home ground, maintained access to quality playing and training facilities, and protected community sport.
Community consultation is now open, with submissions closing at 4.30pm on July 17 and to be submitted via email to mail@bayswater.wa.gov.au.
Public notice of the disposal of land can be found online.
