By Benjamin Millar
West Footscray’s crumbling RecWest building will be rebuilt after investigations revealed it’s failing to meet the needs of the area.
Built in 1953 on top of a contaminated former landfill, the buildings and surrounds – on the corner of Market and Essex streets – were found to be failing due to ageing infrastructure and subsidence.
A report to Maribyrnong council noted the soil under the centre is contaminated and will require remediation before any redevelopment.
“Secondly, the … landfill below has resulted in uneven settlement of ground and topsoil, damaged landscaping and paving as well as creating voids under the building slab which are particularly visible on the north side of the building,” the report stated.
The voids under the slab create an opportunity for landfill gas to accumulate, while the thatched ceiling inside the centre was found to be “undesirable for its high maintenance and high fire risk”.
Councillors last week voted to develop a concept design for a new community centre, along with a sports master plan taking in the site and Shorten Reserve and Johnson Reserve.
A Maribyrnong-wide ‘Indoor Stadium Strategy’ will also be developed to improve provision of indoor courts across the area for sports including basketball.
The site is managed under contract by the YMCA and used for a range of recreational and sporting activities, recording more than 42,000 visits in the past year.
Centre manager Gerald Dixon said YMCA Victoria was pleased with the support from the council.
The current centre includes an indoor stadium with a stage, a small gymnasium, meeting rooms and changerooms and a neighbouring building hosting the local Scout group.
An outdoor basketball/netball court, bocce court and playground are “showing signs of distress”.
Councillor Catherine Cumming told last week’s council meeting the redevelopment has been a long time coming.
“It is something that as a council I feel we need to do something about … we do need to talk to the community about their wants and needs for the site,” she said.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing what the community would like.”
