Multimillion-dollar revamp for western suburbs football club
The home of West Adelaide Football Club is set to undergo a major $25 million redevelopment, months after wild weather damaged its facilities.
SA Treasurer and West Torrens MP Tom Koutsantonis says Richmond Oval, home of the West Adelaide Bloods Football Club, will receive a $25 million facelift and a new community precinct.
The project includes replacing the Brian K Faehse Grandstand that was destroyed in a storm in May, new player and umpire change rooms, medical rooms, gymnasium, and upgraded coaches’ boxes, he announced today with Sports Minister Rhiannon Pearce.
The grandstand built in the 1950s was severely damaged by flooding that resulted in the club being forced to move home games away from Richmond Oval for several rounds, and sparked funding calls from West Adelaide Football Club for upgrades.
While the rebuild project will be mainly funded by the City of West Torrens with $15 million towards the development, the state and federal government have committed $4.5 million each and the SANFL $1 million.
SANFL CEO Darren Chandler said it was a “landmark moment” for the West Adelaide Football Club.
“The upgrade will provide the club with facilities that reflect its proud history and ambitious future, while creating a venue that players, members, volunteers and supporters can be proud to call home,” Chandler said.
A new function room will also be available for public use, while public toilets and improved pedestrian connectivity are also included in the design.
It is the latest football oval to receive funding for upgrades. Funding from the state and federal governments along with the City of West Torrens and Adelaide Football Club would see the $100 million Thebarton Oval redevelopment become the future home of the Crows football team. The Thebarton Oval Precinct development is expected to be completed later this month, before the Crows begin transitioning operations to the new facility.
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Earlier this year, the state government announced that SA cricket ground Karen Rolton Oval in the city’s west end would receive a $10 million upgrade to lighting and spectator seats so it could be used for major events when Adelaide Oval is unavailable.
Koutsantonis said West Adelaide Football Club was “an intrinsic part of the fabric of the western suburbs” and was eagerly awaiting the project to come to fruition.
“This redevelopment will ensure the Bloods have the facilities they need to continue their proud history while opening up the precinct for greater community use,” Koutsantonis said.
City of West Torrens Mayor Michael Coxon said the redevelopment would provide the local community “with a place to play, gather, and recreate.
“What this funding does is allow us to go beyond essential maintenance in support of our local footy clubs and create a precinct that the whole community can use, enjoy, and be proud of,” he said.
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