The Town of East Fremantle (Town) has appointed Belgravia Health & Leisure Group (Belgravia) as the operator of the new East Fremantle Community Park (EFCP).
Your feedback in relation to the proposed liquor licence offering is required to ensure the operation of the East Fremantle Community Park addresses the needs of its community.
In partnership with the Western Australian State Government, East Fremantle Football Club, the East Fremantle Bowls Club, the East Fremantle Croquet Club and with funding from Lotterywest, the Town has developed the facility with community in mind.
The facility supports the delivery of the Town’s Strategic Community Plan 2020-2030 the strategic priority to protect, promote and enhance the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of our community.
Town of East Fremantle Mayor Jim O’Neill said the park delivers on the Town’s exciting and inclusive vision to provide an integrated community, sport, and leisure precinct for the use of all residents and visitors to the Town.
“Encouraging and supporting healthy lifestyles by providing healthy places and spaces is at the heart of our vision for the park,” Mayor O’Neill said.
“We’ve created a central community hub focused on connecting the community to physical and social activities, whether it be a social catch up with friends for lunch or to watch a game, becoming a member of the leisure club or simply enjoying the grounds walking the dog.
“We hope that East Fremantle residents and community groups will call this facility ‘home’ with a meeting place focus.”
The Town has engaged Belgravia Leisure to manage the facility, with the grand opening earmarked for this autumn. VIP foundation memberships to the health club are already selling fast with installation of the equipment expected soon.
Past Updates
Update - December 2023
Introducing East Fremantle Community Park - your space to gather, recreate and celebrate!
At East Fremantle Community Park there'll be something for everyone, including:
- first class sporting facilities for football, lawn bowls and croquet
- a cafe, overlooking an all-abilities playground
- a health club
- a vibrant function space
- an outdoor basketball 1/2 court
- a skate zone
- meeting rooms
- an enclosed dog exercise park
- and more!
To stay in the loop with all the latest news, dates, events and to have your say on community activations, head to
East Fremantle Community Park - Stay in the loop!
Update - September 2023
Second Time-Lapse Video
South West View, then North West View
North West View, then South West View
Update - August 2023
A Special Edition 'Talk of the Town' printed newsletter will be distributed to all letterboxes in East Fremantle from Monday, 21 August 2023. You can also view a copy here.
Special Edition Talk of the Town August 2023
Update - June 2023
As per the requirements set out under Section 3.59 of the Local Government Act 1995 a Business Plan for a major trading undertaking has been prepared to facilitate the appointment of an East Fremantle Oval Precinct Facility Operator.
The business plan:
- is available here East Fremantle Oval Precinct - Business Plan - June 2023
- can be viewed at the Town’s Administration Centre, 135 Canning Highway, East Fremantle
- can be emailed upon request by contacting admin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au
Submissions about the Business Plan can be made to the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Town of East Fremantle, until the close of business on 7 August, 2023.
Submissions can be delivered to the Town Administration Centre, posted via PO Box 1097, Fremantle WA 6959 or emailed to admin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au
Council seeks the input of its community as an integral part of the decision-making process.
First Time-Lapse Video
FAQs - Oval Precinct Redevelopment
The development of an Integrated Community, Sport and Leisure Precinct within the Town will contribute significantly to the overall economic and social benefits of the region.
Cooper & Oxley
If you need to contact Cooper & Oxley with any comments or concerns, please use the contact details below:
- Adrian Hackett (Site Manager) - 08 9387 9000
- Phil Durston (Project Manager) - 08 9387 9000
- Email - info@cooperoxley.com.au
Project Update - 23 November 2022
The Town is thrilled to announce that at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday evening, Council adopted the recommendations to endorse the revised project budget of $33.3 million and grant the builder, Cooper and Oxley, site possession to allow the commencement of construction works.
Site Possession, Earthworks and Demolition
Cooper & Oxley will take possession of the site next Monday, 28 November, and works will commence with the demolition of the Merv Cowan stand.
Proposed works program leading up to Christmas:
- Site possession - Monday 28 November 2022
- Bulk earthworks - between 5 December 2022 and 21 December 2022
- Demolition of the Merv Cowan stand - between 6 December 2022 and 21 December 2022.
All asbestos removal will be carried out by a licensed and experienced contractor in accordance with WorkSafe requirements and the Work Health and Safety Regulations.
Funding from the WA State Government
The Town would like to acknowledge the State Government's contribution of $25 million towards this redevelopment.
Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman - "Providing local sporting clubs and the community with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant community hub is the key objective. We are very excited site possession has been granted and works will commence."
Lisa O'Malley MLA - "This redevelopment is a significant project and game changer for East Fremantle and the wider community. I am very excited to see it kick-off."
Project Updates and Queries
The Town will provide project updates via the Town's website, including the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page which can be accessed via 'Major Projects', TownTalk (e-News) and our printed 'Talk of the Town' newsletter, plus the Town's LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
During the redevelopment, if you would like to contact Cooper & Oxley with any comments or concerns, please use the contact details below:
- Adrian Hackett (Cooper & Oxley Site Manager) – 08 9387 9000
- Phil Durston (Cooper & Oxley Project Manager) – 08 9387 9000
- Email – info@cooperoxley.com.au
Updated Business Plan
Concept Imagery
Project Update - 29 September 2022
With the Town finalising some contract details relating to the redevelopment, it is anticipated that the Town's builder, Cooper & Oxley will take possession of the site on Monday, 17 October 2022. The forward works will include the demolition of the Merv Cowan Stand. A representative from Bradbury Sewell Pty Ltd (acting on behalf of Cooper & Oxley) will make contact with property owners around the oval precinct regarding a pre-construction survey.
Project Update - 16 September 2022
The town is working steadfastly towards construction potentially commencing next month (October 2022). This timeline is dependent on the finalisation of the trade packages. As the Town will not be directly operating the new facility, tenders were called during the month of August for the provision of professional Facility Management Services. The tenders received are currently being assessed and a formal recommendation will be provided to Council in due course.
Project Update - July 2022
Business Plan - East Fremantle Oval Precinct Redevelopment
Project Update - June 2022
Drop-In Information Sessions
Want to know the latest about our Oval Precinct Project? Want to hear it direct from the Design and Delivery Team?
The Town is hosting two drop-in information sessions regarding our Oval Precinct Project. The details are:
- Session 1 - Thursday, 9 June - 4pm to 5pm at Council Chambers
- Session 2 - Thursday, 9 June - 6:30pm to 7:30pm at Council Chambers
Project Update - 11 May 2022
View Oval Precinct Design Update
Concept Imagery
With the completion of the Expression of Interest (EOI) process for prospective builders, it is with considerable excitement we're pleased to advise that the project has now progressed to the next stage and will proceed to tender once the draft contracts have been finalised by Council's solicitors.
The above concept imagery shows a view from the playground looking towards the cafe where you can also see a glimpse through the ground-level opening to the oval. This is a building very much shaped by the activity around it with activated edges for the community to enjoy on all sides. The concept imagery of the landscape design includes a dog exercise area, skate and basketball zone and native play area. Natural landscaping features the inclusion of many endemic trees providing shade, biodiversity and amenity.
From here it is expected the Tender process will commence later this month and all going well, work is likely to commence in September.
Project Update - 14 April 2022
East Fremantle Oval Precinct Redevelopment to Progress as Planned - Additional $5 million from State Government
Read our Media Statement
Our East Fremantle Oval Precinct Redevelopment will progress as planned with the McGowan Government confirming their commitment of an additional $5 million towards the project, resulting in a total contribution from the State Government of $25 million.
Mayor Jim O'Neill, pictured above with a croquet mallet, lawn bowl and football is understandably excited to share this news with our residents. 'We would like to sincerely thank the State Government, Minister for Sport and Recreation, David Templeman and in particular Bicton MLA, Lisa O’Malley for her passion, dedication and unwavering commitment to ensure the redevelopment of the East Fremantle oval precinct is delivered to the people of East Fremantle and the wider community,’ Mayor O’Neill.
Project Update - March 2022
Due to escalating costs being felt across Western Australia's building and construction industry, the East Fremantle Oval Precinct Redevelopment has been redesigned and there is a reduction in scope. However, the Town and the design and delivery team believes the new design modifications have resulted in a better outcome for all.
Of notable improvement is the green corridor running through from the oval to the bowling greens and the croquet greens, all of which are now on the same level, with no need for stairs or a series of retaining walls. It is a significantly improved design outcome to align the greens, in one visual corridor, on the one level.
The newly designed structure, which the Town and design and delivery team also believes to be an improvement, incorporates active and engaging edges on three sides of the building – an active and engaging edge looking across the oval, an active and engaging edge looking across the bowling greens and an active and engaging edge looking out from the function room and café onto the playground and green, public open space.
The Town is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified and experienced Construction firms for the $25m East Fremantle Oval Precinct Redevelopment works.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) Advertisement - Now CLOSED
The Town has recently engaged the full design and and delivery team. This dynamic and experienced team includes:
Paatsch Group – Client Lead
Donald Cant Watts Corke – Project Manager, Superintendent and Quantity Surveyor
Carabiner – Architect
SportEng – Sports Surface Consultant
NDY – Mechanical, Electrical and Hydraulic Engineering Services
Forth Consulting – Civil Engineers
Executive Compass – Kitchen Consultant
Jackson McDonald – Legal Advisor
Previous Updates
State Government Funding Commitment Confirmed (July 2021)
East Fremantle Redevelopment Business Plan
Media Statement (18 January 2021):
$20 MILLION COMMITMENT FOR EAST FREO OVAL PRECINCT REDEVELOPMENT
Background
Phase 3a: September / October 2020 - Concept Design Presentation & Public Comment
Community feedback was sought in regard to the updated Concept Design. 23 submissions (143 observations), were received and carefully considered by the Multi-disciplinary Design Team.
Some key items that were addressed during this process are;
• The location and size of the Community Facility
• The inclusion of additional entry / egress points
• The provision of additional onsite parking
• Landscaping to facilitate the removal of all fences
• A tiered approach to soften the visual amenity from lower-lying areas
• Retainment of existing trees where possible, in conjunction with additional plantings
• Structuring of the informal drop-off zone to ensure the best use of the area
• The undertaking of a traffic engineering assessment
Click here to download the East Fremantle Oval Redevelopment Fact Sheet (05/10/2020)
Phase 2: 21 April 2020 - Community Speaks on Future Options for East Freo Oval
Survey says: we want access and varied use for all ages and interests
The future vision for the East Fremantle Oval Precinct is edging closer as the Town has had a strong and positive response to its most recent community surveys. These have yielded results showing how much the community care about this project and their passion for wanting improved access and recreational facilities.
This survey builds upon the previous community consultation undertaken by GHD Advisory however, a second round of consultation was undertaken as the results now collated will assist with informing a preferred masterplan design for the whole precinct, with an associated business plan informing operational structure and funding strategy for the project.
Taking advantage of the fact that many residents are on holidays or working from home over Easter, the Town conducted two online surveys, with questions tailored to the interests of different community sectors.
The first survey, available for all ages, garnered 85 responses, confirming the strong interest in the future of the Precinct, and support for:
• The Precinct remaining an A-Class Reserve
• Retaining the heritage of the area
• Providing both active and passive recreation for all ages and abilities
Strong support was expressed for planned upgrades to existing facilities, and making space available for passive recreation of the Oval and surrounds for walking (including with dogs) and general exercise, as well as more structured and existing club-based sporting and recreation activities.
Interest was also expressed in adding new offerings including a Men’s Shed/activity space, a gym/health/fitness facility, shared-use courts for basketball, netball and a nature play space.
Most survey respondents supported the development of the venue to include a café/restaurant space and to broaden the appeal of the area as a destination beyond merely a place to come and play sport. Parking, lighting and security were also flagged in the survey as being important.
Mayor Jim O’Neill thanked everyone who took the time to complete the survey, and invited the whole community to stay engaged as the most exciting phase of the project is about to begin.
“Now that we have confirmed what our community want from this Precinct, we can proceed with the development of the Plan, confident that we have captured the needs and wants of those who use the space, and those who will benefit from the improvements we are designing,” Mayor O’Neill said.
Phase 1: 26 June 2019 - East Fremantle Oval Precinct Vision Plan Endorsed
At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 21 May 2019 Council endorsed the East Fremantle Oval Precinct Revitalisation Vision Report as a guiding document for the possible future development of the site.
Council also agreed to proceed with the development of a consultant’s brief for the preparation of a comprehensive business case/plan based on the findings of the East Fremantle Oval Precinct Revitalisation Vision Report.
Click here to view a copy of the Endorsed East Fremantle Oval Precinct Vision Report