People's park a field of weeds

WAVERLEY Park, once the AFL's showpiece stadium, is a sorry sight of waist-high weeds, broken glass and smashed seats.

The ground that hosted the 1991 Grand Final lies in ruin as construction giant Mirvac awaits approval for a $1 billion redevelopment.

Mirvac agreed to buy Waverley Park from the AFL for $110 million in December and has submitted plans to build 1400 houses and apartments on the 80ha site.

Known as the people's park during its heyday in the 1970s and '80s, Waverley remains under the AFL's control until Mirvac's plans are approved.

Planning Minister Mary Delahunty last night called on the AFL to get its mower out and clean up the derelict ground.

Ms Delahunty, who will decide on Mirvac's proposal after receiving a planning panel report in four weeks, said she was upset to learn of Waverley Park's condition.

"I would call on the AFL to mow the oval and clean up the arena," she said.

"I'm extremely disturbed to hear about the state it's in.

"The community has a great affection for Waverley Park . . . the community expects the oval to be cared for.

"It is the responsibility of the owner to look after this important site."

Ms Delahunty said she would request action from the AFL directly.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said the league employed a caretaker at the stadium and was not aware of any recent vandalism or security problems.

Eight bays of the old members' stand will remain as part of a new Hawthorn Football Club administration and training base.

Hawthorn, a former tenant at the ground, plans to use the oval for training one night a week from 2004.

Mirvac spokesman Tom Ormerod said the ground was the AFL's responsibility until development was approved.

He said damage to the stands was superficial, not structural, and would not affect plans to retain the eight bays.

The weeds could be easily removed when it came to remake the oval, he said.

Mirvac plans to retain the 10m Greats of Football mural on the stadium's facade.

Waverley Park is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Heritage Victoria required four bays of the stand to be retained. That was doubled by Mirvac.

Mirvac is required to get a permit for the project under the Heritage Act.

Heritage Victoria is expected to make a decision on Mirvac's application next month.