Park to be expanded from land purchase

Published on 20 April 2017

The Town has recently purchased a property adjacent to McCourt Park in West Leederville to allow for the construction of a below ground drainage sump, and expansion of the local park.

The purchase follows a report to the Council in March this year to consider a design for the installation of a drainage sump to minimise a stormwater flooding risk to nearby properties.

Without the purchase the drainage works would have required the removal of two significant trees and the reconfiguration of the playground, at a cost of $275,000.

Following the March meeting Council became aware the neighbouring property was for sale and, at a Special Council meeting held on 13 April, agreed to submit an offer to purchase the property.

The property, 77 McCourt Street, was purchased for $990,000.

The acquisition of this additional land will allow the Town to construct the drainage sump, without removing any trees or relocating the playground. Local residents will also benefit, with the extra land to become an active area of the park.  The drainage sump will be constructed below the ground with the park built on top of it.

Council will now consider a re-design of the park, incorporating the additional area, and will be asking residents for their comments in due course.