Town will consult over football centre at Ashfield Reserve

This month, the State Government promised $37 million to build the long-awaited State Football Centre if re-elected.

Premier Colin Barnett announced the centre on Guildford Road would consist of a grandstand for up to 4000 spectators, including 700 permanent seats, an administration facility for Football West, two floodlit playing fields and player amenities.

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Of the $37 million, $4 million will go to the Town to upgrade facilities at Jubilee Reserve.

In May 2015, Bassendean Council voted to support Ashfield Reserve as a preferred site for the home of Football West.

Ashfield resident Warren Wright said he was concerned about the loss of open space and the lack of consultation.

“It does not fit; they are trying to put a 4000-seat stadium at the end of someone’s driveway,” he said.

Ashfield resident Robert Quelch said the proposal would affect residents on Haig Street, as there were existing parking issues and anti-social behaviour. Fellow Ashfield resident Tony Dorling said he preferred the reserve stayed as is.

“They are talking about chopping down trees, ripping up grass and replacing it with plastic turf and a carpark,” he said. “If that’s not bad enough they are then proposing to position the centre so that it cuts local residents off from the strip of reserve left behind.”

Deputy Mayor Mike Lewis said there would be opportunities for consultation if the Liberal Party was re-elected.

A group of Town of Bassendean residents at Ashfield Reserve. Centre: Warren Wright, Cr Paul Bridges, Robert and Rose Quelch.