The Gosnells Bowling Club is set for a $2.74 million upgrade with plans to extend its facilities and replace perimeter fencing.
A contractor was formally selected for the project at the November 12 council meeting, paving the way for construction to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
The project will be funded through a combination of Federal Government funding of $1,097,399, a contribution from the Gosnells Bowling Club of $200,000, and the remaining funds coming from the City of Gosnells’ Community Infrastructure Reserve.
According to the City of Gosnells, the extension is required to provide sufficient room for the club’s social activities, and the boundary fence is due for replacement.
“It’ll look a lot better in our town centre with the fencing and whatnot replaced, as well as the building extension. So, I look forward to it coming to fruition,” Mayor Terresa Lynes said at last week’s council meeting.
“The Club and the members are looking forward to the benefits that the additional space will provide.”
If the replacement of the fencing along Albany Highway and Dorothy Street can be completed without the need for extensive traffic management, the cost of the project to the City may be reduced to the tenderer’s original price of $2.4 million.
Ten years after the Gosnells Bowling Club formed a Planning Committee to assess its long- and short-term needs, President Hazel McGinty said the club is excited to see the extension plans moving forward and is pleased to be staying in Gosnells.
“Management and members of the Gosnells Bowling Club are enthusiastic following the approval by the City of Gosnells to accept a tender for extension of the Club premises,” she said.
“Although several alternative sites were examined for relocating the Club, the decision was made to extend the present buildings as a pleasant Eastern entry to the business district of the City.”
Due to the planned installation of a reverse-cycle ducted air conditioning system in the current clubhouse and modifications to the existing roof structure, the project was initially delayed.
As the current clubhouse was built in 1958, 20 years after the club was formed, Ms. McGinty said the extension was well overdue.
“Although there have been several alterations and improvements in the interim, the extensions will provide separate accommodation for functions without interference with the sport of bowls, providing facilities that enhance member and community use,” she said.
