19/02/03
Work is well under way on the $4million redevelopment of Leederville Oval as Western Australia's first-ever Football Centre of Excellence.
Touring the site today, Sport and Recreation Minister Alan Carpenter said Leederville Oval was being transformed into a modern sporting complex that would become the home of the East Perth and Subiaco football clubs.
The State Government had identified the redevelopment of Leederville Oval in its State Sporting Facilities Plan, released in October 2001.
"Football has been played at Leederville Oval since 1915 and throughout its life it has played a significant role in the sport and recreation history of Perth," Mr Carpenter said.
"The redevelopment, a partnership between the State Government and the Town of Vincent, will bring Leederville Oval back to life and provide modern, permanent facilities for two of the WAFL's most competitive teams.
"Apart from WAFL finals and State level games, Leederville Oval will also be able to cater for cultural and artistic events for up to 8,000 people during the off-season."
Mr Carpenter said the State Government had contributed $1.15million to the project, with the Town of Vincent contributing $2.87million.
"The Town of Vincent, in consultation with the Department of Sport and Recreation has played a central role in the redevelopment project," he said.
"The project will bring great benefits to the community as whole and I would like to acknowledge personally the work and commitment of all involved in getting the project off the ground."
Work on East Perth's facilities is well advanced, with the gutting of old offices, the installation of new roofing, plumbing, drainage and cabling.
Site works for Subiaco's new clubrooms have started at the northern end of the grandstand.
Other redevelopment work undertaken to date include:
- installation of a new bore and in-ground reticulation;
- replacement of turf in the goal square;
- demolition of redundant buildings; and
- installation of new power and fire protection services.
The redevelopment also includes more than 10,000sq.m of public open space on the eastern side of the oval.
Mr Carpenter said he was hopeful that construction of the football facilities would be completed in time for the start of this year's WAFL fixtures in April.
"If everything goes to schedule, East Perth will relocate to Leederville prior to the start of the WAFL season and Subiaco will take up residence in October," he said.
Minister's office: 9213 6800
