Perth Voice Interactive

WA Labor has pledged $30 million towards upgrading Dorrien Gardens and the WA Italian Club in West Perth if it wins the March 8 state election, including the construction of 240 apartments along Fitzgerald and Lawley Streets.

The redevelopment was adopted by Vincent council in November 2024 and includes a new public piazza and joint facilities for the WA Italian Club and Perth Soccer Club.

Upgrades to the soccer club will allow it to meet growing player numbers with a new 700-seat grandstand, upgraded pitches, and a new building with change rooms, a gymnasium, physiotherapy and function rooms with a commercial kitchen. 

Catering for the number of women taking up the “beautiful game” is also part of the move to upgrade the facilities.

Vincent submitted funding applications to both the state and federal governments in December last year, and while the two clubs are expected to make a contribution, Labor’s promise is reliant on the remainder of the $75 million total cost to be found from “other tiers of government and private sector contributions”.

Vincent will also be asked to chip in a parcel of land it owns on the site, which is currently managed by the soccer club. 

The proposal also includes a widened pedestrian connection from Fitzgerald Street through the Italian Club site to the piazza, creating a more accessible and vibrant community space. Ground-floor hospitality venues, alfresco dining, and retail spaces will activate the area, with the aim to make it a key destination for locals.

Labor says the project will be a major revitalisation with housing along a key transport route, reflecting its commitment to attract more people and families to live in the inner city.

Premier Roger Cook said: “The WA Italian Club has a significant 90-year history here on Fitzgerald Street and this redevelopment will create an activated precinct that serves our community for the next 90 years.

“The Dorrien Gardens precinct offers a unique opportunity to establish a world-class recreation and cultural hub that services the local community and provides more opportunities to grow young people and women’s participation in sport.

“Importantly, it will also provide Western Australians and families with more choice when it comes to housing and living in the city, with 240 new apartments to be built as part of the redevelopment.

“Only WA Labor has a plan to create vibrant communities and bolster housing supply, supporting Perth’s long-term growth and paving the way for a thriving future for Western Australians.”

Perth state Labor MP John Carey said: “The project has been mooted for a long time – and this funding commitment represents a fantastic opportunity to reimagine the precinct as a vibrant hub for our local community.

“I’m really excited about the creation of a new public square which celebrates local Italian culture and history – and creates better amenity for the whole area.”

by STEVE GRANT