A comprehensive, contemporary and achievable plan that provides direction for future revitalisation of Hilton Park has received widespread support.
The Hilton Park Precinct Masterplan has been adopted by Fremantle Council after an extensive community engagement process, in which stakeholders were able to contribute their ideas for the area.
Improvements abound and some examples include new buildings, new play spaces, a wider range of bookable spaces for recreation and year-round use, public toilets, field reconfigurations, lighting, footpaths and trees.
Off leash dog exercise areas will increase with a new junior football oval providing an additional fenced area when it’s not being used for sport. Illustrating how the focus is on retaining flexible, public open space that caters for all.
Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the plan went through such a thorough process that it is truly reflective of the community.
“This is a piece of work that has gone through significant community and club engagement.
“Everyone involved has had to give a little bit and that is what a good plan looks like, when everyone stretches their own thinking about what might be better for the whole, even though they have their own vested interests.
“We had a good conversation about what people really needed and what they could give up, how we could facilitate growth across all the clubs and recreational users of the area,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.
The project began after it was identified that the facilities needed some major renewal works.
Further consultation highlighted accessibility issues that didn’t suit contemporary sporting requirements and standards.
A key focus of Council is on renewing and activating suburban amenities and precincts to better cater for a growing and changing community.
The 19-hectare site, just four kilometres from the Fremantle city centre, has been described as a jewel in the crown when it comes to Fremantle’s community sporting facilities.
The Masterplan establishes a realistic and achievable costing framework and identifies immediate, 2-year, 5-year and 10-year delivery priorities.
“It’s an ambitious vision and we’ve started saving up to deliver it,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.
The City has planned for Hilton Park renewal works in the current and next three budgets and will also continue applying for grants and seeking other funding sources.
Revitalisation will start with the northern part of the site, including upgrades to the Brad Hardie Pavilion as well as new senior and junior football ovals, cricket nets, a pump track and other recreational areas.
Other project timelines depend on future funding.
