The Devonport City Council is developing a master plan for the East Devonport Recreation and Function Centre (EDRFC) and Girdlestone Park precinct. Identified as a priority in the Devonport Sports Infrastructure Master Plan, this precinct has significant potential for revitalisation, improved functionality, and integrated long-term planning.
The master plan will act as a roadmap for the future, shaping how the precinct looks and functions while ensuring it meets the needs of a growing and diverse community. It will:
- Integrate sport, active recreation and wellbeing facilities and opportunities within the East Devonport and broader Devonport community.
- Consider the whole precinct, addressing drainage, utilities, wayfinding, public amenities, shade, landscaping, outdoor active recreation, pedestrian and vehicular movement.
A clear and current master plan will help balance community expectations with economic, social, and environmental realities. It will also be a valuable tool in attracting external funding for future precinct development. Most importantly, it will be shaped by the voices of the community – including current and potential users, partners, and residents – to reflect shared aspirations for East Devonport’s future.
Progress Tracker:
Information Gathering
Researching site conditions, usage, and needs
Community Consultation – Round One
Listening to community ideas and priorities
Draft Master Plan
Preparing conceptual layout options
Community Consultation – Round Two
Seeking community feedback on the draft plan
Final Master Plan
Presenting the endorsed plan to Council to guide future development
Frequently Asked Questions:
The precinct is currently made up of two areas:
- EDRFC – Includes one basketball-sized stadium hosting volleyball, badminton, roller sports, and pickleball, plus a community function centre used by various groups. The Centre is also nominated as an emergency evacuation and recovery centre.
- Girdlestone Park – Home to the East Devonport Football Club and the Devonport Little Athletics Club. The park is also used by visiting sporting clubs and residents for informal recreation.
The master plan aims to strengthen opportunities for everyone. While some changes may affect how certain groups use the facilities, these will be managed in consultation with those groups to ensure their needs are understood and supported. The goal is to create improved spaces that continue to serve existing users while also creating flexibility so the mix of sports and community use can evolve over time.
The master plan itself does not commit Council to construction projects. Instead, it will provide a strong foundation for seeking external funding and prioritising Council investment over the next 10+ years.
The precinct plan builds on the Devonport Sports Infrastructure Master Plan and aligns with Council’s broader goals around recreation, wellbeing, and community development. At the same time, a master plan is also being developed for the Maidstone Park precinct. This parallel process is designed to complement the EDRFC and Girdlestone Park Master Plan, ensuring coordinated outcomes and connections across these key community recreation spaces.
A draft master plan will be shared with the community in mid-2026 for further feedback before being finalised.
Once approved, the master plan will guide development of the precinct over the next 10+ years. Following finalisation, an Implementation Plan will be developed to outline key actions and timelines.
We want the master plan to reflect local needs and aspirations. Community members will be invited to have input and share feedback throughout the project.
The precinct is more than a sporting hub – it’s a community space. Your feedback will help shape facilities that support recreation, social gatherings, wellbeing activities, and community events, even if you are not currently involved in sport.