Community asked to shape Freo Oval vision

The City of Fremantle is inviting members of the community to have their say on the future of the historic Fremantle Oval precinct.

The City is working to prepare a masterplan for the Fremantle Oval precinct alongside its project partners, the South Fremantle Football Club (SFFC), Fremantle Football Club (FFC) and Western Australian Football Commission (WAFC).

The masterplan is intended to provide a vision for the redevelopment of the precinct, establish principles for its ongoing management and operation, and assist the City in attracting funding from State and Federal Governments.

It builds on previous studies that have been undertaken for the site over the past 10 years.

The redevelopment of the Fremantle Oval Precinct will unlock new potential uses for the area, including providing a second-tier football facility for 10,000-15,000 patrons, an accessible community space capable of hosting large events and an improved visitor experience.

Other potential uses could include childcare, affordable housing or rehabilitation facilities connected to the nearby Fremantle Hospital.

Reflecting Fremantle Oval's significance as a place where many Aboriginal footballers began their careers and became legends, the project will also include specific engagement in which Aboriginal people can share their own stories of the site.

There will be a community drop-in session at Fremantle Oval on Saturday 4 May.

To view key documents and take the survey before 14 June go to mysay.fremantle.wa.gov.au

Comments attributable to Hannah Fitzhardinge, Mayor of Fremantle:

"We're excited to have the community help us reimagine what has been a relatively shut off and disconnected part of our city.

"Many of us have fond memories of visiting Freo Oval over the years, whether it's seeing the Bulldogs take on the Sharks in a local Freo derby, watching the Dockers take on Brisbane in the first-ever AFLW game played in WA, or going to a concert or event.

"However, we're also conscious that for the future of these sports, particularly with the fantastic increase in female participation, the current facilities are woefully inadequate.

"This engagement process encourages people to help shape the future of the Fremantle Oval precinct, which forms an important part of the historic heart of our Port City. This redevelopment provides an opportunity to deliver significant sporting, cultural and economic benefits for the local community."  

Comments attributable to Simon Garlick, CEO of the Fremantle Football Club:

"We are pleased to support the City of Fremantle's endeavours to carry out the redevelopment of Fremantle Oval.

"Acknowledging the importance of this community project, we consider it vital for enhancing the facilities and experiences for both our players and fans attending AFLW fixtures in the future."  

Comments attributable to Cameron Britt, CEO of the South Fremantle Football Club:

"The South Fremantle Football Club has occupied Fremantle Oval for 124 years and we are committed to working together with the City of Fremantle and all project stakeholders, in redeveloping a regionally historic precinct in the heart of our beloved Port City for the benefit of the local community.

"We look forward to a modern, reinvigorated, and vibrant Fremantle Oval for all users and participants."  

Comments attributable to Michael Roberts, CEO of the WA Football Commission:

"Fremantle Oval plays an important role within the football landscape, and this redevelopment will ensure a well-equipped facility caters for current and future football participants, both at a community and elite level.

"As female football continues to grow, the WAFC is committed to providing high quality and inclusive facilities for the community which will accommodate our elite teams including the AFL, AFLW, WAFL and WAFLW."

Image: Celebrations at Fremantle Oval after the WAFL Grand Final in 2020.