Perth Glory’s A-League Women’s and Academy programs are set to be based in a new, state-of-the-art integrated sporting facility located at Wotton Reserve in Embleton.
City of Bayswater Council today announced their intent to dispose of the land surrounding the pitches at Wotton Reserve to Glory’s owners, Pelligra Group, to develop a new home for the club’s Women and Academy, along with a mixed-use development comprising residential housing and businesses.
The establishment of a high-performance centre for Perth Glory Women, who have never had a dedicated base of their own, alongside amenities for the PGFC Academy will mark an important milestone for those who have advocated for stronger pathways in women’s football and youth development in Western Australia.
Glory Owner and Chairman Ross Pelligra feels that the project represents a major step forward.
“This investment represents an exciting development for Perth Glory’s Women’s football program and women’s football in general across WA.
“It aligns closely with the club’s commitment to reconnecting and integrating with local Perth communities.
“Our Women and Academy teams will benefit enormously from the creation of a purpose-built, high-performance environment.
“This project meets my strategic commitment to ensuring the sustainability of Perth Glory by creating the opportunity to secure non-football revenue for the club.
“We’re excited to work closely with City of Bayswater and local user groups to enhance opportunities and add value to the community and are proud to be at the forefront of offering new commercial and residential amenities which will significantly boost the local economy.
“We look forward to working on similar projects with both State Government and other municipalities across the Perth Metro area to help further grow the game and deliver social and economic benefits for local communities.”
City of Bayswater Mayor Filomena Piffaretti, meanwhile, said she was similarly excited about the proposal presented.
“The delivery of a brand-new integrated sports facility that accommodates current users of the site, retains the much-loved Bayswater Skate Park and enables the City to retain ownership of public pitches is an excellent opportunity for our community,” she said.
“We are really excited about the benefits this proposal offers and I am keen to hear what our community thinks before Council makes its final decision.
“The redevelopment of Wotton Reserve into a high-quality, mixed-use development, boasting residential, commercial and sporting uses could benefit our community in many ways.
“New businesses and residential accommodation would activate the area, breathing new life into the location.
“The construction of a new 1,000-seat stadium and replacement of ageing infrastructure would be a win for both fans and community clubs, with playing fields remaining available for the community when not in use by Perth Glory.
“Wotton Reserve is perfectly positioned next to the newly constructed Morley Train Station, which would make it easy for fans to attend Perth Glory games.
“This development would capitalise on the State Government’s investment in METRONET through its construction of Morley Train Station.”
The area was earmarked for higher density under the City’s own Morley Train Station Precinct Plan and was also recently announced as one of the State Government’s 10 station precincts identified for future residential and mixed-use development.
“Redevelopment of Wotton Reserve would be consistent with the City’s ongoing support of the State Government’s plan to increase density around train stations.
“This proposal would be a catalyst for future growth in the area and deliver critical housing supply to the area, with 208 planned new apartments.”
Wotton Reserve currently accommodates Morley Windmills Soccer Club, the Pétanque Club, a car park, two soccer pitches and the State Government-funded City of Bayswater Skate Park.
The City will retain ownership of the pitches at Wotton Reserve, which will remain public open space, with access to be managed through a future ground lease.
The site earmarked for redevelopment by Pelligra Group is currently a drainage site and ageing car park.
Pelligra Group acknowledged the City of Bayswater councillors, WA State Government officers and all community stakeholders who have contributed to the process to date.
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Wotton Reserve earmarked for future Glory
