First images emerge of what the potential $13.6 million Hands Oval overhaul in Bunbury could look like

The public has been given its first glimpse at what a multi million-dollar overhaul of Bunbury’s top football oval could look like.

The $13.6 million Hands Oval Redevelopment, which would transform the venue into one of the best sport facilities in regional WA, would see a brand new grandstand replace the existing structure at the ground, including 745 seats for spectator viewing and five modern changerooms for players and umpires.

It would also include four doctor and massage rooms, separate spaces for timekeepers, coaches and media, offices, a boardroom, kiosk, amenities, carpark and landscaping upgrades.

The sporting ground is home to the South West Football League headquarters and hosts its grand final each year, with more than 4000 spectators packing out the grandstands and banks last month.

The oval, which is also used as the South Bunbury Football Club home ground, previously hosted two AFL pre-season matches, five WA Football League games, two Perth Glory A-League pre-season meets and three domestic one-day cricket clashes.

The City of Bunbury has now received a development application for the pending project from designer Taylor Burrell Barnett on behalf of Perkins Builders, which was awarded the tender for the works earlier this year.

Artist impressions included within the document showcase what the modern facility would look like, should it be given the green light from the Joint Development Assessment Panel Application in its current form.

The application states the project would enhance Hands Oval to enable it to host State, national and international events, as well as boosting sporting participation and establish it as a community meeting place.

Mayor Jaysen Miguel said the much-needed development would be significant for Bunbury and the wider South West.

“Hands Oval is already the home of the SWFL, but these upgrades would truly put Bunbury at the forefront of AFL in regional WA as the home of AFL and elite sport in the South West,” he said.

“The facilities at Hands Oval are more than 50 years old, so these upgrades are very much needed.”

The public can make submissions on the development application until Wednesday, before it is determined by the Regional Development Assessment Panel.

If passed, construction is expected to be completed in time for the 2024 SWFL season.

The project will be funded by a $5 million State Government grant, $4.4 million Federal Government grant and the remainder from the City and SWFL.