Road to redevelopment
Adelaide Oval has enjoyed a proud history as one of Australia’s premier sporting and entertainment venues for more than 140 years.
In late 2009, the State Government embarked on a plan to unite the State’s pre-eminent sporting codes at a redeveloped Adelaide Oval.
Along with the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) and the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA), the State Government will deliver a world class stadium for all South Australians.
A $535 million funding commitment means a unique inner city stadium will be brought to life—combining the very best of new design with the famous heritage of Adelaide Oval.
The redeveloped oval will sit proudly within a revitalised riverbank and parklands precinct; home to cricket, football and providing an exceptional venue for a host of other major sporting events and entertainment.
Project
Adelaide Oval will host Australian Football League (AFL), domestic and international cricket and a range of major events. The redevelopment will deliver a world-class sporting stadium with a seating capacity of 50,000.
Brand new southern and eastern stands (seating 14,000 and 19,000 respectively) will complement the existing western stand. The heritage scoreboard and grassed northern mound will be retained and protected by legislation.
A world class indoor cricket training centre will replace the existing indoor facility, incorporating a high performance gym and associated player facilities.
The Australian Government has contributed $30 million to fund onsite underground car parking, reducing the impact on the parklands and allowing the State Government to fund further riverbank improvements.
A welcoming community plaza will be built at the southern entry, providing an important gathering and events space for use throughout the year. It will also provide easy access to the new pedestrian bridge that will link the oval with the Riverbank Precinct, public transport and the city.
Process
Domestic and international cricket will continue to be played at Adelaide Oval throughout construction, with every effort made to reduce inconvenience to ground users and the public.
A project boundary will be established to ensure site preparation works can be carried out in the safest and most efficient working environment for both project staff and the general public.
Baulderstone – the contractor appointed by the State Government to rebuild Adelaide Oval – has an international reputation for the safe delivery of major projects.
The redevelopment will build on 140 years of tradition and all works will be undertaken with the utmost respect for the history of the Adelaide Oval.
Naturally, some demolition works are required ahead of construction of the new southern and eastern stands. This process will begin with the removal of the existing Clem Hill and Sir Donald Bradman stands and construction of the two new stands will begin and continue simultaneously.
The southern stand and entrance plaza will be completed before the Ashes Test in late 2013 while the eastern stand will be completed for the 2014 AFL Season.
A number of items from the existing structures will be salvaged as part of the redevelopment. The existing spectator seating is to be salvaged and made available to sporting and community clubs for their own use. The roof structures of the Clem Hill Stand will be salvaged for reuse.
The Victor Richardson Gates will be reused as part of a new eastern entrance while the Bradman Collection will be temporarily stored and re-exhibited in the new southern stand.
The northern mound will be retained with a new seating bowl at the front and enhanced with a new timber deck linking the back of the mound to improved food, beverage and toilet facilities as well as facilitating disabled access.
The main playing surface will be regraded and a new irrigation and drainage system will be installed reduce irrigation water usage.
Lighting at the oval will be enhanced—existing light towers will be fitted with the latest in lighting technology, reducing light spillage out of the ground.
Adelaide Oval’s function centre will remain open throughout with the western grandstand continuing to host weddings and corporate functions.
Environment
A comprehensive Construction Environmental Management Plan is a key element of the Adelaide Oval redevelopment. It will ensure construction activities do not adversely impact upon the environment, indigenous and non-indigenous heritage, local and neighbouring communities and construction workers. This plan will be continually monitored and updated throughout the life of the project.
The redevelopment provides the opportunity to revitalise the surrounding parklands through landscaping, improvements to footpaths, new park furniture and works to improve drainage and turf management.
Indications are there could be a net return of public open space and it is proposed to close Victor Richardson Drive and the existing southern car park, returning these areas to attractive and useable public spaces.
The State Government is working closely with the Adelaide City Council to develop a comprehensive landscaping plan. This plan includes detail on the planting of additional trees as well as analysis of specie and numbers. There are 16 significant trees in the Adelaide Oval core area that need to be removed to ensure safe and efficient construction. One of these trees is a Moreton Bay Fig. The remaining Moreton Bay Figs between the scoreboard and the new western stand will be retained
A Sustainability Management Plan is also in place to ensure the facility maximises the use of renewable and recyclable resources while minimising energy and water use as well as waste generation.
Experience
A redeveloped Adelaide Oval will boast 77 per cent of seats undercover, family and restroom facilities in excess of national standards, food and beverage facilities no more than 40 metres from any seat, 2000 dining spaces, corporate capacity of 3800, multiple replay screens and 10 metre wide concourses.
A high-quality audio system will deliver quality sound throughout. The designs include three replay screens - one located between the Southern and Western Stands, another between the Southern and Eastern Stands and one adjacent to the heritage scoreboard. It isanticipated the screens will be 150 and 200 square metres respectively, making them bigger than the screens at the MCG.
There will be a limited number of on-site underground car parks to service non-event day activities and to provide for essential services, staff, players and officials on event days. Car parking for patrons will be accommodated on match days (suitable for tail-gate BBQs) within the landscape arrangement.
Riverbank
The State Government’s Riverbank vision is to revitalise the precinct through a $394 million funding program, which will see expansion of the Adelaide Convention Centre, improved pedestrian access and a new pedestrian bridge to link with the redeveloped Adelaide Oval.
The redevelopment of the Riverbank Precinct is one of the city’s largest and most significant urban renewal initiatives and presents a unique opportunity to realise the area’s potential as a vibrant destination of international significance.
While some inconvenience is inevitable with a project of this scale, every effort will be made to minimise the impact of the work. Access to Pennington Terrace and the Cresswell Gardens will be restricted during the construction process. Details about any further impact on the local road network will be provided through regular updates via advertisements, letters, social media and on-site signage.
“Adelaide Oval is the home of so much sporting history, especially for Port Adelaide and South Australian football.
It was an amazing experience to play the first AFL game there at the end of the 2011 season and we are looking forward to building and sharing a new future there with
our supporters and everyone in the state.”
Domenic Cassisi
Captain, Port Adelaide Football Club
“Adelaide Oval has a rich history of providing fantastic sporting moments and memories, I can’t wait to play a part in building on that tradition.” Nathan Van Berlo Captain, Adelaide Football Club
“Adelaide Oval will always be home to the West End Redbacks and Adelaide Strikers - it’s where we will train all year round and play all of our home matches.” Michael Klinger Captain, West End Redbacks
"The new indoor cricket training centre will make it easier for girls and boys of all ages to give cricket a go in a safe environment out of the heat—it’s a great investment in the future of the game.” Shelley Nitschke Australia & South Australian Scorpions
