Lathalin Park.
Camera IconLathalin Park. Credit: Supplied/Elle Borgward

Exciting times ahead for Demons

Staff ReporterSouthern Gazette

This month, the Town of Victoria Park accepted a $25,000 grant from the Department of Sport and Recreation to contribute to the preparation of a $50,000 business case for Perth Football Club’s redevelopment, including improved community facilities.

The project is one of seven elements of the Town’s Lathlain Precinct Redevelopment Project, with the Town and the WAFL contributing $10,000 each and the club providing $5000 to complete the business case. A report to the Town from its acting business life director, Warren Bow, said he hoped the business case would present a robust rationale to the State Government about why it would benefit from its investment.

Perth Football Club chief executive Marty Atkins said the club’s ageing facilities were used by 12 metropolitan clubs, 13 senior clubs, its WAFL league, reserves and colts teams, plus five development squads during the winter season, plus WAFL, amateur finals and community football matches.

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Football and community groups also used the president’s lounge, Redleg’s Bar and the function hall. He said redeveloped club facilities could include two ovals and another three function areas.

Mr Atkins said work would not start until mid 2017 and would probably take two years to complete, with funding sources including the State and Federal governments, the Town and the West Coast Eagles, which will also operate from the site.

Other plans would include a running track around one oval, tennis courts and barbecue facilities available for community use.

Mr Atkins has not ruled out Demons aligning with West Coast Eagles or the East Perth Football Club relocating to Lathlain Park.

He said East Perth was one year into a five-year agreement aligning with the Eagles.

Mr Atkins said it was an exciting period of renewal for the club, which was also in the process of recruiting a new coach.