"I love the design especially that it is accommodating for all genders and needs." – Sportsground user
Timeline
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Timeline item 1 - complete
Original draft design developed - Mid 2022
We developed a draft concept design with input from the sports clubs. This draft design aimed to better meet the needs of the sports clubs and community members who use this facility.
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Timeline item 2 - complete
Sought community feedback on draft design - 25 November to 16 December 2022
We shared the original draft design for feedback, including at a community drop-in session.
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Timeline item 3 - complete
Reviewed community feedback - January 2023
We reviewed all community feedback on the draft design and found the main concerns were about the proposed location of the expanded pavilion and the impact on sightlines.
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Timeline item 4 - complete
Developed alternative draft design - February to April 2023
We developed an alternative design that uses the site next to the pavilion. This alternative design has extra space to better meet the needs of people using this facility.
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Timeline item 5 - complete
Seeking community consultation on alternative draft design - 26 April to 24 May 2023
Have your say on the alternative draft pavilion design.
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Timeline item 6 - active
Review community feedback - Late May 2023
We are reviewing community feedback received and finalising the design.
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Timeline item 7 - incomplete
Share final pavilion design - From September 2023
The final pavilion design will consider community feedback received during both rounds of design consultation.
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Timeline item 8 - incomplete
Start construction - Early 2024
We expect construction to begin in early 2024.
About the pavilion upgrade
Willsmere Park in Kew East is an important community sport and recreational space. The existing pavilion is in poor condition and doesn’t meet the needs of the community or sports clubs, including Kew Cricket Club and East Kew Football Club.
We are proposing to upgrade the facilities in the existing pavilion building, including the changerooms and public toilet. We are also proposing to build a new fit-for-purpose, single-storey building next to the existing pavilion. Together the upgraded pavilion and new pavilion building will improve accessibility and better meet the needs of the community.
This project is in line with our Development and Funding of Community Pavilions - Sport and Recreation Policy and our Boroondara Community Plan. You can find out more about this on our Boroondara Community Plan 2021-2031 page.
Community feedback
In November 2022, we shared a draft design for this pavilion renewal with the community for feedback.
We received mixed levels of support for this draft design. Based on those who shared their feedback with us:
- 37% said they were supportive of the design
- 37% said they were not supportive of the design
- 14% provided mixed feedback about the design
- 12% provided neutral feedback about the design
Parts of the proposed design the community liked the most included:
- inclusive and accessible spaces
- the overall look and feel of the design materials that complement the surrounding area
- the extra car parking spaces.
Around 27% of people who gave feedback said they were concerned about the proposed location of the new pavilion. This was because it would hide the playground and some of the green open space from street view.
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“While I welcome an improvement to the local facility and am not opposed to an upgrade, I very strongly believe that there is an alternate, better way of doing this whilst being sensitive to the area, its residents and the landscape character.” – Nearby resident
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“Additional car parking is good and much needed. It's great that you have taken accessibility of the new facility into account.” – Sportsground user
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“Love the idea, me and all of my clubmates are exceedingly grateful for the dedication put into the design and the proposed plan for the build.” – Sportsground user
An alternative
draft pavilion design
In response to community feedback, we have developed an alternative draft design in a different location.
This alternative design includes the same spaces as the previous design but shifts its location further to the western side of the existing pavilion.
Like the original design, this alternative location still ensures the new pavilion will allow free flow of flood waters and won’t cause any significant rise in flood level.
This alternative draft design is shaped around the existing trees to minimise impact on them.
Artist impression of the alternative draft pavilion design.
Spaces
The alternative draft pavilion will still include:
- 2 unisex changerooms and amenities (in addition to the 2 existing ones)
- 2 umpires’ rooms (including one accessible room)
- a first aid room
- storage facilities
- a multipurpose community space/social room
- solar panels.
This alternative location considers:
- existing flood levels (with the Yarra River located at the end of the park)
- location of the sports fields
- wheelchair accessibility and car parking
- minimal impact on surrounding trees.
Floor plan of the alternative pavilion design
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Site plan
To minimise visual impact, the height of the new building is proposed to match the height of the existing building. We will ensure a natural look and feel, using an organic colour palette and sustainable building materials to tie in with the surroundings.
Site plan showing the height of the new proposed building will match the height of the existing building.
Access
Improved accessibility is still a key focus for this alternative design. We will provide an accessible public toilet that will be open 7 days a week.
We will create accessible car parking and a drop-off zone close to the pavilions, which will be connected by a ramp. An accessible walkway will connect all buildings.
Parking
To address the parking concerns raised by residents living near the pavilion, we are proposing to add an extra 16 car parking spaces to the existing car park. This will provide a total of 31 car parks and help reduce the demand on parking in neighbouring streets.
The car park design also builds on existing car parking infrastructure, which will minimise any impact on the open space reserve.
