However, Fremantle president Steve Harris said today that there are a number of high level issues that still need to be resolved by the City of Cockburn and the club.
“It is clear that the proposed development at Cockburn Central West has the potential to deliver a compelling case in terms of the scope, scale and nature of facilities that can be developed on this green field site,” he said.
“There are also still matters to consider further with regard to tenure, access and finance, which will require continued discussion between the City of Cockburn and the club.
“Given that those matters were the subject of confidential deliberations at last night’s special council meeting it is not appropriate that the club comment further on those matters.”
The club has been working on the strategic project to determine the size, scope and capability of its ETAF and the preferred location for the development for more than four-and-a-half years.
As members were advised at the club’s Annual Members’ Meeting on 27 November, the short list of options includes two proposals for the club to redevelop its existing facilities at the Fremantle Oval precinct in partnership with the City of Fremantle and the third to develop a new facility at Cockburn Central West in partnership with the City of Cockburn.
As also stated at last month’s Annual Members Meeting, Harris said the consultation process with both the City of Fremantle and the City of Cockburn about their respective proposals had been extensive, thorough and is ongoing.
“The board will continue to work towards what is in the best long-term interests of the club and the future needs of our players, members, supporters, stakeholders and the community,” he said.
“As we mentioned at the Annual Members' Meeting on 27 November, the timing of a final decision is dependent on other parties that we are still liaising with, including the City of Fremantle and the City of Cockburn.
“The Fremantle Dockers will continue to liaise with the City of Fremantle over redevelopment options for the club at the Fremantle Oval precinct and the City of Cockburn with respect to the Cockburn Central West option.”
