A STOUSH over control of Fremantle Oval is almost at an end, with the City of Fremantle close to finalising an agreement with the Dockers to surrender the head lease for the historic ground.

Both parties have achieved a breakthrough after prolonged negotiations by the council to regain the management rights for the Parry Street venue, along with Fremantle’s existing clubhouse.

The Dockers still hold the lease at Fremantle Oval until 2054 despite preparing to move to their new $109 million headquarters at Cockburn Central.

The West Australian understands a settlement agreement could be reached by the end of this month. Fremantle’s board is due to meet on February 22 when a deal is expected to be considered for approval.

The Dockers would be financially compensated for giving up the headquarters they built at the oval in 2000.

The settlement figure will be less than $4 million.

Camera Icon Zac Clarke tours the Cockburn ARC facility which will be the new home of the Fremantle Dockers. Credit: PerthNow, Michael Wilson

It is believed that council staff would temporarily move into the Dockers’ old building under the agreement while the city’s headquarters in the Kings Square precinct are rebuilt.

An agreement would pave the way to kickstart the proposed $20 million redevelopment of Fremantle Oval, which has been on hold for almost 12 months.

The transformation of the boutique sporting ground would involve shifting the oval up against the heritage-listed Victoria Pavilion, and South Fremantle and East Fremantle would become co-tenants.

“Council has authorised city officers to finalise negotiations with the Fremantle Football Club ... with a view to reaching a formal agreement in the coming weeks,” a council spokesman said in a statement.

“Securing the head lease back into community hands will pave the way for redeveloping the precinct into a premier community and sporting hub.”