Work begins on new Sandover Medal Walk at Subiaco Oval
Work has commenced on delivering the new-look Sandover Medal Walk at Subiaco Oval, part of the landmark Subi East redevelopment project.
Almost $10 million of works will be delivered by Western Australian company Landscape Elements to construct a range of quality new community assets around the former AFL ground.
The new walk will be concrete pavement with each Sandover Medallist's name etched into divider strips, surrounding the heritage-protected playing field.
As well as the installation of a reinterpreted Sandover Medal Walk, major works underway include a Noongar Six Sesons Bidi trail, an immersive experience for visitors to learn about Noongar knowledge, culture and history, which has been led by the Subi East Elder Group.
The Sandover Medal has been awarded annually since 1921 and is presented to the WAFL fairest and best player each season.
The Sandover Medal Walk was a series of footpath engraved pavers installed along Roberts Road and Haydn Bunton Drive in early 2000's until 2017. The stadium hosted its last event in November 2017.
The Sandover Medal Walk pavers were removed and placed into storage ahead of the demolition of the Subiaco Oval stadium, which was completed in 2019. With many in poor condition, the decision was made to deliver a modern reinterpretation around the heritage-listed oval, which reopened as a community facility in mid-2020.
The Oval Precinct will also pay homage to the area's football history through signage, public art, the original seating from the historic Subiaco Football Oval and a heritage plaza.
A new community building will offer public toilets, change rooms, a kiosk and storage facilities, allowing community sport to be played on Subiaco Oval.
New youth playground areas will offer exciting new facilities including parkour equipment, nature play areas, swings and playgrounds cleverly reusing former stadium structures.
The works are expected to be completed in the first half of 2023.
WA Planning Minister Rita Saffioti said, “Subiaco Oval has played an important part in our State's sporting history for generations, and I'm so proud our Government has worked to keep it as an asset that can continue to be enjoyed by the local community.”
“The Oval Precinct will also feature other key elements of football history throughout the landscape design, from public art and signage to the retained original seating from Subiaco Oval.”
“The works underway will also deliver exciting new community facilities, including youth playground areas for families to enjoy, and the Six Seasons Bidi trail will provide a unique and important way for visitors and residents to understand the area's Noongar heritage and knowledge.”
"I look forward to seeing the new walk, and the broader Subi East project, take shape."
Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman said, “I am pleased to hear that the Sandover Medal Walk will be reimagined for future generations to enjoy and experience.”
“It is an important part of our sporting history and I know many people like hunting down their favourite medallist - this new walk will offer that same experience while also including a Noongar Six Seasons Bidi trail.”
