What is a facility needs assessment?

    A needs assessment is the vital first step in the planning process for a facility. This is a comprehensive information gathering process to identify what works well, what doesn't and ensuring future developments if any, serves the needs of the clubs and community.

    What should I bear in mind when I fill this survey?

    • What are some of the challenges you face at Hillcrest Reserve?
    • What you value about Hillcrest Reserve?
    • How you use Hillcrest Reserve today?
    • How your needs might change into the future?
    • How our communities are changing?
    • What can we do to continue to make Hillcrest Reserve a precinct cherished by the City of Bayswater community now and into the future?

    How have we arrived to this project?

    • In 2022 Council approved the Community Recreation Plan 2022-2032 (CRP) to complete a Facility Development Plan for Upper and Lower Hillcrest Reserves, in order to consider the potential for co-location, additional parking, and additional sporting uses.

    • According to priorities and criteria, the Hillcrest Facility Development Plan was determined to be medium priority, planned for the medium term (2027-2032).

    • At the Annual General Meeting of Electors held on 7 November 2022, a member of the Bayswater Junior Football Club presented a deputation, which was that all sporting clubs at Hillcrest, along with a local netball club, shared a vision for developing their facilities, therefore a facility plan for Upper and Lower Hillcrest should be brought forward to the short term, as a high priority. The deputation included the following main components:
      • Lack of home base for Bayswater City Saints Netball Club
      • Ageing facilities on site
      • Increasing demand of primary and secondary schools in the area
      • Aspirations for a community hub type environment.

    • Following this, a motion was considered at the OCM on 6 December 2022, where Council resolved as follows:

      "That Council supports the development of a facility needs assessment at Hillcrest Reserve, Bayswater in conjunction with clubs and users of the site within the 2023-24 financial year."

    Does this project relate to the Drake Street Bike Path project?

    Any future developments at Hillcrest Reserve will connect in with the bike paths. However, the Drake Street Bike Path project and Hillcrest Reserve Needs Assessment are two separate projects. For more information on the Drake Street Bike Path project, please visit Drake Street Bike Path | Engage Bayswater

    When is the redevelopment going to take place?

    • Future development is a long way down the road!
    • The facility needs assessment is the first step in the process of making sure that any future developments meet the needs of everyone using Hillcrest Reserve.
    • If a development was to occur at Hillcrest Reserve, the City will seek external funding and funding is more likely to be received if sporting clubs come together with a vision of a shared clubroom. 
    • If a redevelopment was to occur at Hillcrest Reserve, there will be more opportunities for the community to provide contemporary feedback at that point in time.

    How is the survey being promoted?

    We value your opinion and there are several ways in which this is being promoted.

    • On-site signage
    • Online - via the Engage Bayswater page
    • City of Bayswater Facebook page
    • 2 in person community drop in sessions
    • Letter drop to nearby residents within 500m of Hillcrest Reserve
    • Sporting clubs to share the survey
    • Contact with Hillcrest PS and Chisholm Catholic College
    • Pick up a hard copy survey at the City's libraries and Civic Centre
    • Flyers at the City's libraries and Civic Centre

    Who are the consultants carrying out the Facility Needs Assessment?

    Tredwell Management, an independent Sport and Recreation planning company are carrying out the Hillcrest Reserve Facility Needs Assessment. They have extensive experience in sport, recreation, aquatic and trail planning and have previously delivered the Pat O'Hara Reserve Needs Assessment for the City of Bayswater.