The City of Joondalup is poised to shelve plans for a major redevelopment of the Whitford Library and Senior Citizens Centre for the second time, nearly four years after residents first petitioned for upgrades to the four-decade-old facilities.
Council officers are recommending against supporting a redevelopment at this time, citing financial constraints, competing capital works priorities, and limited staff resources. This mirrors a similar decision in April 2024, despite a 198-signature resident petition lodged in August 2021 that initially sparked the push for improvements.
History and Usage of the Facilities
Located adjacent to the Westfield Whitford City shopping centre, the Whitford Library opened in 1980 with an estimated construction cost of $450,000, making it the largest free-standing library in Western Australia at the time. The Senior Citizens Centre followed in 1985.
Both facilities continue to see high demand. The library recorded 105,945 visits in 2024-25, a 4 per cent increase from the previous year, while the senior citizens’ club boasts over 1,100 members.
Financial and Resource Constraints
City of Joondalup officers stated that insufficient funds in several asset reserves prevent an upgrade. “The size of the investment likely required for a redevelopment of these facilities would put a further strain on the city’s cash flow and would leave insufficient funds available for other projects in the capital works program,” they said. “In addition, there are currently no human resources available for the project. If it was agreed to commence the project with no additional resources, then other projects would be delayed.”
In November 2025, PerthNow reported that the City of Joondalup faced a growing $20 million operating budget shortfall, warning of service reductions and higher-than-inflation rate rises for the upcoming financial period. Councillors are expected to consider a proposed rate rise for the 2026–27 budget at their next meeting.
Condition and Recent Upgrades
Despite its age, officers maintain the facility is functional. “Aesthetically the buildings may no longer be considered contemporary in their design and appearance, however, they remain functional and in good condition for their age, with appropriate signs of wear and tear,” they wrote in a recent report. A 2023 review indicated that while functionality issues were identified, the size and scale are mostly fit for purpose, with internal layout improvements recommended rather than a full redevelopment.
Since 2010-11, approximately $850,000 has been spent on general upgrades, including carpark improvements, new toilets, a refurbished foyer, carpet replacement, and door and roof repairs.
As part of a 2025 State Government election commitment, $120,000 has been pledged for minor upgrades to the Senior Citizens Centre, including repainting the hall and renovating the kitchen in 2026-27.
Future Outlook
The Joondalup council will vote on the recommendation not to proceed with a redevelopment at their next meeting on Tuesday, May 26. A request for another review in two years is also expected to be passed, which would include consideration of future funding opportunities through advocacy at State and Federal elections.
