Planning is underway to enhance use of Challenger Reserve in Manning to better meet the recreational needs of our growing community.
The reserve is currently home to lawn bowls, tennis, football/soccer and cricket clubs. It has sporting playing fields, sports lighting, clubrooms/pavilions and a playground, and is also used by residents for informal recreation.
Concept Plan
The City is now developing a revised Challenger Reserve Masterplan (Concept Plan) to optimise future use of the sporting buildings/pavilions/changerooms, associated sporting facilities and carparks at the site. The aim is to accommodate both exclusive use and shared spaces for Manning Memorial Bowling Club, South Perth United Football Club, South Perth Junior Cricket Club, and South Perth Bridge Club. The project will also consider enhancement of the existing tennis facilities for the Manning Tennis Club.
We are currently liaising with the above sporting clubs and user groups to invite their input as part of the design planning process. Once complete, we will undertake community engagement before a report is presented to Council in December 2025.
Background
The City’s Community Recreation Facilities Plan 2019 -2033 recommended developing a masterplan to guide future upgrades at Challenger Reserve.
In early 2020, a Challenger Reserve Masterplan (Concept Plan) was developed that incorporated stakeholder and community engagement, and included a prioritised list of proposed enhancement works at the reserve. The works were intended to be delivered as budget funds and external funding became available.
In May 2025, a report was presented to Council on community recreation facility redevelopment options for Challenger Reserve, with Council subsequently resolving for the City to develop a revised Challenger Reserve Masterplan (Concept Design) that makes provision for a multi-purpose building to accommodate both exclusive use and shared spaces for the sporting clubs and groups; and enhancement of the existing tennis facilities.
