CHRIS THOMSON

Contentious plans to erase the identity of Subiaco Oval would see 59 ‘Patersons Stadium’ placards mounted virtually everywhere around the ground except on its historic main gates.

The WA Football Commission recently sold, for an undisclosed sum and for four years to Patersons stockbrokers, the naming rights of what oneperth.com.au will always call Subiaco Oval.

The football commission has now lodged a development application to erect 59 ‘Patersons Stadium’ signs (samples pictured) around WA’s premier sporting venue.

The application – to the WA Planning Commission – says that three big illuminated signs to be mounted inside the 102-year-old ground will “reinforce” its “new identity”.

Under the application, the existing ‘Home of Football’ signs on the outer grandstand wall would be replaced by the ‘Patersons Stadium’ signs.

A report to be debated by City of Subiaco councillors on Tuesday night claims that removing the ‘Home of Football’ signs “for the sole purpose to commercialise the stadium” would be “an unnecessary and short-sighted step towards the loss of Subiaco Oval’s identity”.

The football commission has stopped short of requesting a rebadge of the prominent ‘Subiaco Oval’ lettering on the historic main gates on Haydn Bunton Drive.

The limestone and brick gates were erected in 1935 and the Heritage Council of WA has told Subiaco council it will not support a rebrand.

The Heritage Council is also encouraging the football commission to retain the ‘Home of Football’ signs because the Heritage Council says they are an “important part” of the oval’s identity.

The football commission claims the 59 signs will enhance “the aesthetic amenity of (Subiaco Oval) by adding visual interest and a consistent style of graphic and colour to the signage”.

Town planners who penned the council report recommended the planning commission be urged to refuse all 59 signs.

The report says the signs will detract from the historic gates and rustic character of the surrounding area.

The planners consider the signs “offensive” to the history of Australian Rules Football.

If the football commission’s application succeeds, Subiaco Oval will be in a similar position to Perth Oval where the first of its three commercial rebrands to date left its original name displayed prominently on its historic main gates only.