Green light for iconic oval’s redevelopment

Published on 03 September 2021

Unley Oval Oatey Stand upgrade illustration

Unley Oval will undergo a second stage of redevelopment in a project that will benefit both sporting clubs and the community in the construction of multi-use meeting spaces and upgraded spectator viewing areas.

The first phase of the iconic Oval’s refurbishment, completed in late 2018, saw redevelopment of its two grandstands, an upgrade of facilities and unisex changerooms for male and female players, a new canteen and enhanced disability access to its offices, grounds, and spectator areas.

This second stage will see development of meeting areas that Sturt Football Club will use on match days and which will be available to a range of community groups throughout the year.

Concept plans for this second stage of development were endorsed early in 2020 to allow detailed design work to be undertaken and, following community consultation, full development approval was obtained to allow Council to seek external grant funding for the $4.5m project.

City of Unley Mayor Michael Hewitson said the expanded development of the Oval would provide a facility for a range of interested stakeholders and local resident groups.

‘In our consultations with the community, there are more than thirty groups who have expressed interest in accessing the new facilities at Unley Oval. It’s apparent that there is a need for a central resource like this, one that can offer local groups and associations a place to gather for the work they do at a community level, or for recreational pursuits that add to our community’s health’.

‘Our Council made the initial financial commitment - around a quarter of the project budget - to ensure this development could attract other funding. I’m so pleased that the Federal Government chose to support us to help fund this second stage with major contributions from its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.’

‘As a result of that support, Sturt Football Club elected to contribute a further one million dollars to see this vision realised, which will see this facility brought up to modern standards and complete the fantastic work that the Oval has had done to this point. It’s a huge win for local sporting clubs in programs for male and female participants, and for a whole range of community users.’

President of the Sturt Football Club Jason Kilic said the club had committed significant funding to other improvements at Unley Oval over the last five years which included improved lighting, fencing and an electronic scoreboard, and he is excited about the next part of its development.

‘The Club has demonstrated its commitment to improving the Unley Oval precinct and we look forward to working with Council to complete Stage 2.’

Tenders will be called for the project in September, and construction on the redevelopment is expected to commence prior to December this year.

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