Further $5 million from Western Australian Government secures East Fremantle Oval redevelopment

The redevelopment of East Fremantle Oval will proceed as planned as a result of a commitment of a further $5 million contribution from the Western Australian Government.

The upgrade to the historic venue was expected to cost $26.5 million prior to last year's Western Australian election when the original funding commitment was made but has since increased to $32.5 million due to current market conditions and the rise in construction costs.

Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister, David Templeman announced the additional contribution to achieve the integrated facility and to deliver the project in line with the intent of the election commitment, commenting “the state government remains committed to seeing the East Fremantle Oval redevelopment through to its full potential.

“Unfortunately, the significant rise in construction costs is being felt right across Western Australia's building and construction industry and this project is no exemption.

“Providing local sporting clubs and the community with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant community hub is the key objective, and I am pleased the State can continue to support the delivery of this important project.”

The Western Australian Government's total contribution to the project is now $25 million, with the Town of East Fremantle contributing the remaining funding and undertaking further planning, design and value management to reduce the project cost as much as possible.

The project includes a redeveloped playing surface for the football oval and floodlighting, new synthetic bowling green, unisex change rooms, redeveloped playgroup and child nursing facilities for East Freo Playgroup, dog exercise area, skate zone, community gardens, commercial gym, and new shared facility with café, bar, kitchen and function rooms.

The redevelopment is expected to take two years, with the East Fremantle Football Club relocating their WAFL home games to the WACA Ground, which itself is being redeveloped. Works are due to be completed in late 2023 ahead of the 2024 WAFL season.

Image: Concept for the redevelopment of East Fremantle Oval.