The McGowan Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment to provide $20 million towards the redevelopment of East Fremantle Oval’s ageing sporting precinct.
Premier Mark McGowan and Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti today revealed new concept images for the project and confirmed the 2021-22 State Budget, to be handed down in September, will include $20 million for the integrated sport and leisure precinct.
The project’s concept design is now complete, following extensive community consultation since 2018. More than 145 individuals attended design workshops and an online forum provided opportunities for club and community members to engage and shape the vision for the project.
The estimated $25 million redevelopment will be jointly funded by the McGowan Government and the Town of East Fremantle, and maximise opportunities for the local population to pursue a healthy and active lifestyle.
East Fremantle Oval is currently home to East Fremantle Football Club, East Fremantle Bowling Club and East Fremantle Croquet Club.
The project includes a new playing surface for the football oval, new synthetic bowling greens, unisex change rooms, new playgroup and child nursing facilities for East Freo Playgroup, dog exercise area, skate zone, community gardens, gymnasium and new shared facility with café, bar, kitchen and function rooms.
Paatsch Group has been appointed the project lead and early site works are expected to begin in October 2021, ahead of the previously scheduled 2022 start date, with more than 200 local workers involved.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“When my Government makes commitments, we deliver on them.
“The redevelopment of this precinct will give local sporting clubs and the community access to state-of-the-art facilities and create a vibrant community hub.
“This project will be a first of its kind in WA, with no perimeter fencing, allowing free access to WAFL games and greater access to the community generally.
“It’s the latest in hundreds of community and sporting facilities upgrades that my Government has rolled out across the State, helping Western Australians stay active, healthy and connected with their local community.
“In doing so, we’re also helping to create hundreds of local jobs throughout the State.”
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti:
“The redevelopment of East Fremantle Oval Precinct’s facilities and infrastructure is an exciting project that will be very welcomed by the local community.
“Once completed, it will be a state-of-the-art sport and leisure hub, providing enormous benefit to the sports clubs’ members and wider community.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the project unfold into a modern, community hub in the future.”
As stated by Bicton MLA Lisa O’Malley:
“I’m so thrilled that these new facilities will be available for the local community.
“Our local sports clubs, who have made do with tired, ageing facilities for so long, will soon reap the benefits of this exciting redevelopment.
“I can’t wait to see these new facilities being used by local club members and residents once the project is complete.”
