Council has submitted a planning permit application to progress the approved master plan for Dennis Reserve in Williamstown.
The approved plan will see two additional tennis courts, a new multi-purpose community facility, and upgraded open space areas and landscaping.
The master plan is scheduled to be completed in three stages over the next three years:
- Stage 1 – the demolition of existing tennis courts, tennis club pavilion and the ladies bowling green and pavilion and the construction of four new tennis courts
- Stage 2 – open space upgrades to the southern end of the reserve
- Stage 3 – demolition of the existing senior citizens centre and construction of a new multi-purpose community facility and completion of the landscape works to the northern section of the reserve
Mayor Cr Jonathon Marsden said the planning permit would be the first step towards delivering on the approved plan for the reserve.
“The planning permit application seeks approval to allow for the demolition of the former Williamstown Ladies Bowling Club building and the existing tennis courts to make way for four new courts in a different configuration on the site,” the Mayor said.
“If planning approvals go according to plan we can start working on the tennis courts in early 2020.
“The location of the new tennis courts is intentional to maximise the open space areas in the reserve.”
Cr Marsden said the master plan is more than just two additional tennis courts, it also commits to improving the reserve’s landscaping, pathways, a number of new tree plantings and formal garden areas.
“There is an opportunity to rejuvenate the remaining park spaces and reinforce the heritage landscape and the conversation for those opportunities will start in soon in November,” Cr Marsden said
Engagement for the open spaces and landscape design will start in November with two sessions on Sunday, 10 November 11.30am – 1.30pm and Thursday, 14 November 5pm – 7 pm.
Cr Marsden said the Williamstown Senior Citizens Centre on the site is nearing the end of its useful life, with structural integrity and subsidence the main issues.
“The intention is to demolish the building eventually to make way for a new and very much improved multi-use community facility that would be designed in consultation with all users,” Cr Marsden said.
“We expect to start the consultation process on concepts for the design in 2019 and wouldn’t be looking to construct that until 2020-2021.
“The multi-use building will be potentially used by a number of community groups including the Williamstown Senior Citizens, Conversations with the Curious and the Williamstown Central Tennis Club so their needs and vision for the building are very important.”
