Published on 10 January 2020
The City of Unley’s plan to redevelop Goodwood Oval has taken another major leap forward with the announcement of the successful company to undertake the project. The contract, which includes redevelopment of Goodwood Oval’s grandstand, was awarded to Schiavello Construction SA, a company recognised for quality work, including two major wins in 2019 at the Master Builders SA Building Excellence Awards. Schiavello’s tender submission demonstrated understanding of the local neighbourhood’s requirements, offered value for money and provided Council with an efficient construction program an experienced project team. Schiavello Director Luke Steele said the Schiavello team was very pleased to have won the work and looking forward to partnering with Unley Council to rebuild the community facility. ‘We appreciate the important part Goodwood Oval plays in the local community and are honoured to be awarded the project. We understood it was crucial to consider the Millswood neighbourhood and factor this in to how we planned to successfully deliver the project.’ ‘The tender documents highlighted the importance of considering nearby residences and site conditions, and we focused on minimising disruption to both current occupants and local residents during the construction phase,’ said Mr Steele. Since the Goodwood Oval Improvement Plan was developed in 2014, the City of Unley has investigated options to provide more family-friendly facilities to benefit the community, and to encourage greater female and junior participation in local cricket and football. In 2017 the State Government’s Office of Sport and Recreation provided Council with $2.5 million funding for the Grandstand redevelopment. Support also came in contributions from the SANFL and Cricket Australia, as well as from Council and local football and cricket clubs. Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hon. Corey Wingard, said these types of programs which support greater participation in organised sport were critical in fostering community health, but the recreational aspect was also vital. ‘This is what makes my job so satisfying. To see an ageing facility like Goodwood Oval getting a much-needed facelift is wonderful, because this is a valued gem for older members of the neighbourhood as a place to stroll, unwind, exercise or walk their dog.’ ‘Goodwood Oval is a key sporting hub in the City of Unley and cherished open space for the whole community, which has now been given a new lease of life,’ Minister Wingard said. Unley Mayor Michael Hewitson said he is delighted the redevelopment is finally underway. ‘There has been a great deal of discussion and consultation with our community over the last five years about this revitalisation, and I am excited that we will see the commencement of the construction process early in the new year.’ ‘As a result of discussions with residents and professional sporting associations SANFL and SACA, Council has agreed on a design for Goodwood Oval that includes better spectator viewing, and new change rooms and medical facilities that accommodate up to four teams, which will support more participation in sports for women and junior players,’ the Mayor said. ‘We’re also getting new clubrooms with improved amenities, and new meeting rooms which will be available for use by sporting clubs and community groups, as well as an addition to the maintenance building to assist with storage of larger pieces of sporting equipment.’ During reconstruction, Goodwood Oval will remain available for community and club use, including evening activities. Access to the Oval and its amenities will be managed by Council to reduce the impact of building works for residents and sporting clubs. In co-ordination with Schiavello, works are currently underway, but the company’s presence will be noticeable for the first time later this month when site fencing is installed.