FREMANTLE council has called in the lawyers after negotiations to buy out the Fremantle Dockers’ lease at Fremantle Oval stalled.

The city wants to co-locate South and East Fremantle Football clubs at the oval as part of a major redevelopment of the site.

It was hoping to have the Dockers out of the oval by April next year, when it’s due to move into a new $109 million HQ in Cockburn Central.

“The city and club have been unable to reach agreement on the return of the property to the city at this time but are in discussion with the club,” wrote city officers.

“The city is seeking legal advice in relation to the lease agreement between the city and Fremantle Football Club.”

Dockers CEO Steve Rosich says they have leasehold rights on Fremantle Oval until 2054.

“…dialogue between the City of Fremantle and the club regarding FFC continuing to have a presence at Fremantle Oval is ongoing,” he says.

Fremantle mayor Brad Pettitt says he would like to see the Dockers team shop remain at the oval, given their long relationship with the city.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK