Perth Oval Redevelopment
The State government and the Town of Vincent have pledged $11.8 million - $6.8 and $5 million respectively - for the new stadium, which will not only host Perth Glory matches but other sporting events such as rugby union, rugby league, lacrosse and gaelic football, which require a rectangular field.
The Glory will enjoy co-tenancy rights to the stadium with these other codes and as a result will not only share rights to the use of the playing arena but also the offices to be built within the stadium.
The stadium will be built in two stages with the cost of the first stage being $10.5 million. Construction of stage 1 will commence immediately after the last home game this season and will be finished prior to the first home game in the 2003/04 NSL season.
The club's Chief Executive Officer Jeff Dennis said the ground's capacity for Stage 1 will be 17,850 including approximately 14,000 seats. Stage 2, which will include a larger permanent Eastern Stand with 3,000 seats and a function room, will be built when funding becomes available. It is anticipated that the capacity of the venue in Stage 2 will be 20,000.
"We are delighted with the design of the stadium but have requested a few minor changes representing the requests of our supporters", said Dennis. "We are also waiting to discuss the terms and conditions of the club's occupancy of the stadium with the Town of Vincent. We have said publicly for some time now that it is imperative the new stadium is affordable for the club and the fans".
Plans for the stadium will incorporate features of the present ground into its structure. The Shed will be relocated into the stadium and will be situated behind the goals to help maintain the daunting atmosphere that has made Perth Oval such a difficult place for opposing clubs to visit.
Both heritage listed features of the ground, the Fred Buch Stand that was erected in 1956, and Gate One on the corner of Bulwer and Pier Streets, will remain. The Fred Buch Stand will be refurbished to house the offices of the Perth Glory. Dennis said this situation would offer greater convenience as it would provide one base for the playing and operations of the club. At present the back-room staff are housed at Perry Lakes Stadium.
The ground will also retain the existing lighting so night matches can be played.
The stadium will be owned and managed by the Town of Vincent and is an integral part of the State government's State Sporting Facilities plan. Dennis said the new stadium would also be ideal for other sports and events that require a rectangular field while the big one-off sporting events, such as the Perth Glory finals and Rugby Union internationals which demand a capacity of more than 20,000, would most likely continue to be played at Subiaco Oval.
