Fremantle Oval to receive $37 million redevelopment

The historic Fremantle Oval will receive a significant upgrade, with Council formally endorsing the $37 million redevelopment of the venue.

The redevelopment masterplan includes new clubrooms and grandstands, improved spectator facilities, lighting upgrades and the realignment of the playing field to reconnect the oval to the heritage-listed Victoria Pavilion.

Other improvements include new grass banks, undercover seating terraces, a new events space, nature play area and improved connections with the rest of the city.

The Masterplan was prepared by the City of Fremantle in collaboration with South Fremantle Football Club, Fremantle Football Club and the WA Football Commission, with assistance from the state government’s Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Fremantle Deputy Mayor Andrew Sullivan said now that the council has formally adopted the plan the project partners could begin seeking the funding required to bring the project to fruition.

“The redevelopment of Fremantle Oval has been one of the top priorities for the City of Fremantle for many years, and it’s fantastic to also have the South Fremantle Football Club, Fremantle Football Club and the WA Football Commission throwing their support behind this Masterplan” Sullivan said.

“We have purposefully staged the project so it can be achieved in bite-size chunks, and we will now set about securing external funding to support the various stages.

“We expect the funding will come from a range of different sources including the state and federal governments, the AFL, private sector and the clubs themselves.”

The total cost of implementing the Masterplan is estimated at approximately $36.8 million, with four independent stages.

Optional items that are costed separately include an additional floor in the South Fremantle clubrooms for the Fremantle Football Club at $4.2 million, and an underground car park at $2.7 million.

The former headquarters of the Fremantle Football Club, which is currently being used by the City of Fremantle as a temporary administration centre, is identified as a future redevelopment site.

Fremantle Oval is the long-time home ground of WAFL Club, South Fremantle, while Fremantle Dockers AFLW team play their home games at the venue.

Fremantle Dockers President Dale Alcock welcomed the opportunity to work with the City of Fremantle, South Fremantle Football Club and the Fremantle community on a potential development at Fremantle Oval.

“Fremantle is our club’s spiritual home, and we welcome the prospect of enhancing the facilities for our players and fans," Alcock said.

“The development project will allow the Club to have a presence in our heartland while enabling our AFL Women’s team to continue playing at the ground in front of the next generation of Fremantle fans.  It will also provide more opportunities for AFL men’s pre-season fixtures to be scheduled at the ground.

“We love the atmosphere at Fremantle Oval and we are excited to enhance the fan experience and ensure the standard of facilities meets the expanding requirements of the AFLW league as it continues to grow. 

Alcock added that a vibrant Fremantle Oval precinct would enhance not only the Club's football programs, but also the community and fan initiatives of the Club.

“We remain committed to our Head Office and Administration & Training Facility at Cockburn, however this development does allow us to explore the possibility of a more permanent presence for some aspects of our operations back within Fremantle Oval, including potential community, cultural and education facility opportunities.”