Subiaco Oval to be completely demolished except for gates under new plans

SUBIACO Oval will be wiped out completely under plans lodged for the “entire demolition” of the grandstand, light towers and former Subiaco Football Club.

Plans to retain parts of the historic venue beyond the heritage-listed entry gates, floated by the McGowan Government last week, were branded unfeasible in a development application submitted to the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority by contractor Element.

The proposal includes removing the Sandover Medal Walk tiles and placing them in storage, as well as ripping up and relaying the surface of the oval, which will be kept as public open space linked to a new inner-city college being built next door.

The stadium structure appears set to be replaced by housing and commercial development as part of the Subiaco Metronet precinct.

The document says the age of the existing structures meant they would require extensive capital works if retained.

“A sporting ground and associated facilities are designed for a specific function and would be hard to adapt for alternative uses,” the submission on behalf of Landorp reads.

“Sections of the grandstand development, e.g. the offices and function spaces, could be retained and continue to operate in a similar function but due to the distinctive curved design of the facilities and the integral stadium seating, it will be difficult to retain and incorporate into a new development.”

The West Australian Football Commission, currently housed inside Subiaco Oval alongside the West Coast Eagles, confirmed it was in discussions with the McGowan Government about a new home.

WAFC chief executive Gavin Taylor said the new location of the commission’s headquarters remained undecided, but the new site would “celebrate football heritage in this State”.

“We are looking at the possibility of a new long-term tenure in Subiaco, but also looking at other accommodation arrangements as well,” Mr Taylor said.

“Showcasing the history and heritage of football as part of any new facility we see as being absolutely essential.

“We see the heritage gates and the Sandover Medal Walk being integrated into the new facility, whether that is in a museum or public art gallery, or some other form is yet to be decided.

“The exact location, apart from needing to be directly linked to an oval, is not finalised.”

Subiaco Mayor Penny Taylor said demolition of the grandstands would allow safe access for children attending the new high school and make way for public open space, which was her priority.