By Denise Deason
WYNDHAM City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the Soldiers Reserve Pavilion Redevelopment, but wants a further review of the project design and costs.
Construction of the new pavilion, which has the Werribee Junior Football Club as its primary user, was costed in March this year at $824,125.
A revised cost was called for and the total figure was reduced to $703,480.
This is still considered too high, being $104,500 over the budget estimated for the project.
The Werribee Junior Football Club has promised $70,000 of its funds towards the project, but has indicated to the council that any further reduction of the social room space in the pavilion below the current 120 square metres would jeopardise its contribution.
As well as the social room space, the design of the building includes a combined kitchen/bar/kiosk, a utility room, office-coaches room, first-aid room, storeroom and toilet facilities.
The existing building is to be demolished.
The council concluded at its meeting last week that the project design should be investigated to improve the efficient use of the overall floor space and facility provision, without impacting on the proposed floor area of the social room.
This is likely to minimise the funding gap for the project and could allow the council to review the timing for the construction.
If a funding shortfall is still the result, the council voted to refer the sum of about $105,000 to the 2008-09 capital works budget.
Soldiers Reserve is also used by the Werribee Cricket Club, but it has said it’s not in a financial position to be able to contribute to the project.
As well, the First Werribee Scout Group, Werribee Guides, Werribee Pigeon Homing Club, St John Ambulance Australia (Wyndham Division) and College Road Kindergarten use the reserve precinct.
Councillor Heather Marcus said the council’s support for the project was “good to see. The football club really does need an upgrade to their facilities because they cater for 350 local families”.
Cr Peter Ross said the club had 420 juniors on its list.
“The club is happy to have the pavilion constructed over two seasons,” he said.
“But if it can be done before the start of the next football season, that would be good.”
Cr Cynthia Manson pointed to the bigger picture, saying it was “absolutely fantastic that the council could provide great facilities to sporting clubs in this area”.
