Adelaide Oval Redevelopment
Adelaide Oval has been a feature in the city since it was built in 1871. It boasts a rich sporting history, having been used for SANFL & AFL football, state and international cricket and also played host to international soccer and rugby. All up, 16 sports have been played at the picturesque ground, which is considered one of the world’s most beautiful grounds in international sport.
In late 2011, the AFL, SANFL, SACA, along with the State Government joined the Adelaide City Council in finalising negotiations for the redevelopment of the Adelaide Oval. The $535 million redevelopment will involve two new stands being built at the Southern and Eastern sides of the ground while the Southern side of the Oval will feature a new entrance plaza. A new footbridge will be incorporated as part of the Riverbank Precinct upgrade. The Northern hill, iconic Moreton Bay Figs and heritage scoreboard will remain untouched, allowing the Oval to retain its amazing nostalgic feel while upgrading the spectator facilities to world-class standard. A redevelopment website has been set up the Stadium Management Authority and can be viewed here.
Construction at the stadium has recently begun, with completion scheduled for early 2014, allowing a “Showdown” match between the Adelaide Crows and Port Power to open the 2014 AFL Season.
How is the Adelaide City Council involved in the redevelopment?
Adelaide City Council has resolved to fully support the redevelopment of the Adelaide Oval. Council has agreed to long term tenure through a lease to the Minister of up to 80 years for the Core Area of Adelaide Oval (primarily the stadium and associated plazas). Council has also granted the Minister a licence for use of the Northern Hill and Adelaide Oval No 2 for 20 years, subject to Council's Community Land Management Plan. Council is currently assessing the impact that the redeveloped Oval will have on car parking, public realm and public safety. There are numerous opportunities for projects around Adelaide Oval, and Council is determining their financial implications and strategic alignment at the present time.
The concepts and ideas currently being considered by Council are as follows:
- Parking strategies for both North Adelaide and the CBD, specifically for when events are on at Adelaide Oval.
- Remodelling of the intersection of King William Road and War Memorial Drive. A focus exists on improving pedestrian and cyclist movement and safety.
- The operation of War Memorial Drive between Montefiore Road and King William Road, integrating the new Southern entrance plaza and also the footbridge with the redeveloped Drive.
- The use of War Memorial Drive, west of Montefiore Road up to Park Terrace, for controlled parking.
- Reinstatement of Creswell Gardens and Pennington Gardens West following the completion of the construction period, ensuring the design is sympathetic to the area and in keeping with the adjacent Park Lands, whilst meeting the demands of events at the Oval.
- Redevelopment of Park 27, west of the Morphett Street Bridge. Council is investigating the opportunity to return it to Park Lands for public use and major event parking opportunities.
- Review of safety measures in the area surrounding the redevelopment to ensure patron safety at all times.
The Adelaide Oval redevelopment will place Adelaide on the global map for a range of international and national entertainment and sporting events. It will encourage interstate and international tourism and create a dynamic multi-faceted experience for the people of Adelaide and their visitors to enjoy.
The redeveloped Oval will boast cutting-edge designs and stadium operations, mixed with the famous heritage of Adelaide Oval.
