Wagin’s Cricket and Hockey Club to be demolished in preparation for a new sports pavilion

The demolition of Wagin’s termite-ridden cricket and hockey facility has begun, marking the first stage of developing a new sporting pavilion for the community. At their May council meeting, Shire of Wagin councillors agreed to demolish the existing cricket and hockey club building on Ballagin Street, which has been out of use since 2019, and build a new pavilion in its place. A condition report conducted in March found that the club, built in the late 1950s, had visible termite damage on the timber floors, a partially collapsed ceiling, wall linings in need of repair, and asbestos. The clubs were using the building for storage until the shire installed a 13m sea container on the site at the end of 2023, where they transferred their equipment. Shire president Phillip Blight said the repair cost was estimated to be more than $411,000 with “potential unforeseeable unknowns” and includes no upgrades to the building’s external appearance or amenity. The shire has allocated $289,000 of its $348,962 funding from round four of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program to demolish and reconstruct a new pavilion. The rest of the funding will go towards upgrading the shire’s wetland park. Keybrook Unity Service cordoned off the site on September 13 to begin demolition. The new pavilion is expected to open in June 2025, with construction pausing in March 2025 to prevent interference with the Wagin Woolorama. Cr Blight said the council and sports clubs were considering options for the new build and encourage submissions from local suppliers. “Initial plans were for a steel construction, but the shire is open to proposals that involve a more ambitious home for the clubs,” he said. “One key element from the clubs is the importance of being able to view play from the pavilion which requires raising the clubrooms. “Ultimately the shire is committed to delivering a facility that can be used by the clubs and community for years to come.”