Grand plan to unite Sharks and Bulldogs at Fremantle OvalMonday, April 18, 2016 - 4:04 PM

The City of Fremantle has announced a $20 million plan to redevelop the Fremantle Oval precinct into the region's premier community and sporting hub.

The redevelopment will see South Fremantle Football Club and the East Fremantle Football Club co-located at Fremantle Oval, creating a West Australian Football League (WAFL) Centre of Excellence.

The integrated project includes the re-alignment of the oval to be closer to the Victoria Pavilion, new club administration facilities, commercial office/retail space, a gymnasium and grass banking. The adjacent former Stan Reilly Centre site would be redeveloped as part of the project.

The five-year redevelopment of the Fremantle Oval precinct is one of six ‘transformational projects outlined in the City’s Freo 2029 – Transformational Moves document released last year.

East Fremantle Football Club President Mark Stewart said they had been considering options for their future for some time.

“Although we have a strong tradition at East Fremantle Oval where the club has had its home since the 1950s, a potential return to Fremantle Oval will take us back to where we started,” he said.

“We need to look to the future, so can’t overlook the benefits of a possible move back to Freo Oval which would include a modern facility, a fantastic central location and our club’s ongoing viability.”

South Fremantle Football Club President Haydn Raitt said the club could see benefits of sharing with East Fremantle Football Club and upgrades to Fremantle Oval.

“We may be old rivals, but there are many reasons why sharing Fremantle Oval makes good economic sense. We all want a sustainable future for football in Western Australia,” he said.

West Australian Football Commission Chief Executive Gavin Taylor congratulated both clubs, the City of Fremantle, and Department of Sport and Recreation for driving the project and said the concept had the full support of the WAFC.

“The West Australian Football Commission has been engaged right throughout the process and looks forward to seeing this exciting project come to fruition,” Mr Taylor said.

“Great facilities for our WAFL teams and fans is critically important for the future of our premier State League competition.

“I thank the Presidents and CEOs of both clubs for their collaborative approach, long term strategic thinking and focus on delivering the best shared facilities for both Clubs into the future.” 

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said developing the Fremantle Oval precinct was a vital step in Fremantle’s ongoing revitalisation and a great win for the local community and the two local WAFL clubs.

“What we’re looking to achieve is the development of a significant community asset where locals and visitors can enjoy cultural and sporting events,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“The integrated redevelopment of Fremantle Oval and adjacent areas will ensure maximum community benefit and financial sustainability of the project. We believe this is a win-win for all concerned – local football and local people.

“Once completed, the community will be able to look forward to more West Australian Football League games, improved spectator facilities and a great range of community events throughout the year.

“I also look forward to seeing East Fremantle return home to the heart of Freo and we would of course welcome the club back to Fremantle Oval with open arms,” he said.

Discussions with the Fremantle Football Club on returning the lease back into the hands of the community when they relocate to their new training facility at Cockburn West were continuing.

“We’re currently working with the Fremantle Football Club to ensure the lease they currently hold over the ground is delivered back to the local community in a smooth and timely manner,” Mayor Pettitt said. “We look forward to resolving this quickly so we can move forward with the development of what will be a great community asset.”

Mayor Pettitt said the project would be a key priority for the council over the next 12 months.

“Our next step will be to create a master plan for Fremantle Oval. Once developed, the master plan will provide us with the framework for maximising community benefit and will help guide the development of a detailed funding model.” he said.