Cardinals mark new digs

Club president Scott Robinson said the size of Menzies Park could not cater for current demand, with more than 500 children registered to play at the club and 10 per cent growth expected this year.

‘Registration wise, we have doubled in size over the past five years,’ Mr Robinson said.

‘We are working closely with the City of Vincent, which has been very supportive in helping us select an alternative venue.’

East Perth football district chairwoman Jo Del Prete said district officials were supportive of the expansion plans.

‘The Cardinals have the highest Auskick registration in WA, which provides a challenge in terms of available green space,’ Mrs Del Prete said.

The Cardinals started working with the City of Vincent to find a new home after 75 local residents opposed redevelopment of the club’s Menzies Park facility.

‘The City of Vincent is growing rapidly and very family orientated,’ Mr Robinson said.

‘Hopefully all parties can win from the eventual decision.’

Mayor John Carey said it made sense for the Cardinals to move to the underutilised North Perth reserve.

‘There is no doubt that on a broader level we are seeing an increasing demand for green space in the inner city,’ he said.

The Cardinals propose to use Menzies Park as their administration base and for some games and training, and use Charles Veryard Reserve for Sunday matches.

Modernians Hockey Club and the Tuart Hill Cricket Club currently use the North Perth ground.

A report to council said $320,000 would need to be allocated in the 2014-15 draft budget to cover the cost of upgrading the reserve to accommodate all users.

Additionally, $60,000 will be reallocated from the Birdwood Square floodlighting budget to upgrade lighting at Charles Veryard reserve.

Mrs Del Prete said upgrades to Charles Veryard Reserve lighting would increase flexibility with assigning Cardinals fixtures across the grades, easing pressure for both clubs and the district.