SWAN Districts Football Club is seeking Federal and State government funding for the redevelopment of its “ageing” facility.
The club’s headquarters at Bassendean Oval was built in stages from the 1960s to the 1980s.
The Bassendean Oval football facilities project control group was established in 2017 and it appointed a consultant last year to develop a business case for redevelopment of the club’s facilities.
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The group comprises of representatives from the club, the Town of Bassendean, WA Football Commission and Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
The project proposes to help the sustainability of the club’s football operations, deliver new turf for the playing surface and new oval lighting.
Swan Districts chief executive Jeff Dennis said the club would continue to work with the Town, with a strategy to approach both Federal and State governments to fund the project.
“The Town has met (Perth MHR) Patrick Gorman,” he said.
“(The club) has met (Liberal candidate for Perth) Jim Grayden to discuss the project and has requested a meeting with Patrick Gorman.
“All project stakeholders acknowledge there’s a need to investigate the current football operations needs of the club and consider facilities required that can sustainably respond to these needs.
“(The club) would like to commence the redevelopment as soon as possible, however it is mindful there needs a comprehensive business case and significant funding required.”
Mr Dennis said confidential block design plans had been prepared and would be ready to be released for public comment in a few months.
Mr Gorman said there was scope for improvement at Bassendean Oval, but the club needed to consult with the community.
“The first Big Day Out I ever attended was at Bassendean Oval, so I am also keen to see the original character of the ground retained,” he said.
“I am always happy to speak to the club and the council about the future of this site. I look forward to discussing more detailed proposals in the near future.”
Mr Grayden said he spoke with the club about its funding request to upgrade the clubrooms and the oval.
“I recognise that the oval is a local icon,” he said.
“Final costs for the project have not been confirmed, but I look forward to further engaging with the community.
“I am committed to fighting for quality sporting grounds and facilities across the electorate to ensure that the people of Perth can continue to play sport and enjoy their leisure time here in our community.”