FAQ's Redevelopment

General Information

Q: What is the West Lakes Sports Club redevelopment project?

A: The West Lakes Sports Club (WLSC) redevelopment project is an initiative aimed at modernising and expanding the club’s facilities to better serve the Affiliated Clubs, their members, and the local community.

Q: Why is the redevelopment necessary?

A: The redevelopment is necessary to accommodate the growing number of members, meet contemporary and compliance standards for sports facilities, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the club.

Project Scope and Features

Q: What new facilities will be included in the redevelopment?

A: The redevelopment will include a mix of new building and renovation of existing, including:

· 2 x new universally designed changerooms,

· enhanced viewing of the oval for spectators

· new indoor/outdoor transition from the clubhouse to the oval viewing spaces,

· new bar and back-of-house facilities,

· increased social space capacity,

· a new canteen,

· a new multi-purpose room with optimum views of the oval, and

· improved accessibility.

Q: Will there be any changes to the existing facilities?

A: Yes, existing facilities will be upgraded to meet current standards, including improvements to the clubrooms, bar and back-of-house facilities, canteen, and a new multi-purpose room. The umpires changerooms will also be interconnected to meet new AFL/SANFL requirements.

Q: Why is this a single storey development and not double storey?

A: By opting for a single-storey development, the project aims to create a more inclusive, cost-effective, and sustainable facility that meets the needs of its members and the broader community.

· Accessibility is easier to all members, including those with mobility issues in a single-storey layout as it eliminates lifts and requires only minor requirements for ramps.

· The nominated redevelopment option is significantly less expensive to build and maintain compared to multi-storey buildings.

· Double storey options were considered and to include all facilities, spaces and capacities required and requested, the costs would be approx. three (3) times more than the current funds available. Reduced facilities, spaces and capacities would be required to reduce the cost of a double storey options.

· The reserve has land area available for a comprehensive single-storey design that can accommodate all the planned facilities and amenities.

· A single-storey development provides flexibility for future expansions or modifications without the structural complexities associated with adding more floors. This approach allows for easier adjustments and additions based on future needs.

Q: Is there a gymnasium included?

A: A 54m2 multi-purpose room has been included, which can be used on a seasonal basis by the Clubs as they wish.

Q: Will the playground and car parking be upgraded?

A: No, these are not part of this redevelopment project. Feedback on future works can be sent directly through the City of Charles Sturt.

Q: Is there an indoor baseball training facility or tunnels be included?

A: No, these are not part of this redevelopment project.

Timeline and Construction

Q: When will the redevelopment project start and finish?

A: The project construction is scheduled to start in early 2025 and is expected to be completed by late 2025. Specific timelines will be communicated as the project progresses.

Q: How will the construction impact club activities and access?

A: We aim to minimise disruption to club activities. Temporary facilities and alternative arrangements will be made, if required and where possible, in collaboration with the Clubs on a seasonal basis. Regular updates will be provided to keep Clubs and members informed about access and scheduling changes.

Membership and Access

Q: Will membership fees increase due to the redevelopment?

A: The WLSC aims to not fully exhaust its cash reserves for this project and only use funds that are committed and available.

Regular reviews of the membership fees and bar prices are and will continue to occur to reflect the enhanced facilities. The WLSC is committed to ensuring that fees and bar process remain well below regular commercial rates.

Q: How can members provide input or feedback on the redevelopment?

A: We value feedback and will consider it throughout the redevelopment process. Members can provide input and feedback through an email to secretary@westlakessportsclub.com.

Funding and Budget

Q: How is the redevelopment being funded?

A: The redevelopment is funded through a combination of:

· $3,000,000 grant from Hon Stephen Mullighan MP

· $150,000 grant from the SA Football Facilities Fund

· $35,000 grant from Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing

· $35,000 WLSC cash reserves

Q: Will there be opportunities for donations or sponsorships?

A: Yes, there will be opportunities for members and businesses to support the redevelopment through donations and sponsorships.

The WLSC fundraising efforts have commenced through the Australian Sports Foundation - https://asf.org.au/projects/west-lakes-sports-club/west-lakes-sports-club-redevelopment-kick-by-kick-pitch-by-pitch. The “Kick by Kick, Pitch by Pitch” campaign enables tax-deductible donations to be made directly to support the project.

Expressions of Interest for sponsorships and other contributions can be made to secretary@westlakessportsclub.com.

Environmental and Community Impact

Q: How will the redevelopment address environmental concerns?

A: The project will incorporate sustainable design principles, including energy-efficient buildings, water conservation measures, and green spaces. Environmental impact assessments will be conducted to minimise any negative effects.

Where possible, existing materials and features will be kept and reused where possible.

Q: How will the local community benefit from the redevelopment?

A: The redevelopment will provide improved sports facilities, increase community engagement opportunities, create potential job opportunities, and enhance the overall attractiveness of the area.

Operations After the Project

Q: Will the operations of the facilities change after the redevelopment?

A: The WLSC aims to not significantly change the intent or structure of its operations. Regular reviews of the revenues and expenses, staffing structures and service offerings are and will continue to occur to reflect the enhanced facilities. The WLSC is committed to ensuring that our Clubs are supported as a priority and that appropriate access, and services are provided to members and the community.