Treasurer
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure
Joshua Burgoyne
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment
Jinson Charls
Minister for People, Sport and Culture
Media Release Master Plan revealed for Gillen Oval transformation
4 December 2025
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has unveiled the Master Plan for the Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct, bringing the future of sport in Alice Springs another step closer towards a state-of-the-art upgrade.
Located next to Centralian Middle School, the Master Plan sets out the transformation of Gillen Oval into a versatile hub for year-round sport in Alice Springs with the CLP Government investing $14.5 million for the first stage of works.
Following the release of the Master Plan, a detailed site design will now be developed, with construction expected to begin in the second half of 2026 and opening the following year.
Treasurer, Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure and Member for Namatjira Bill Yan said the grounds at the precinct would be built for the needs of the Alice Springs community.
"It's exciting to see how the plans are shaping up. Everyone knows how sports mad we are in this town, and this precinct will be a hive of activity every week of the year," Mr Yan said.
"In November 2024, the CLP Government committed to developing new sporting facilities in Gillen for the Alice Springs community - we are delivering on that promise.
The precinct will feature two multi-purpose training fields with flexible line marking and removable infrastructure so they can be adapted for various sports including AFL, rugby, and soccer.
Minister for Lands Planning and Environment and Member for Braitling Joshua Burgoyne said the precinct would boost community engagement and participation.
"We heard great feedback from young people in Central Australia who wanted additional sporting fields to facilitate greater participation - this precinct will deliver the facilities they asked for," he said.
"We're creating opportunities for young people to connect, learn, and grow while supporting coaching and volunteering opportunities. We can't wait to see it all come together."
Minister for Sport, Jinson Charls said this precinct will give local clubs the space and quality facilities they need to grow.
"This is exactly the kind of practical, long-term investment the CLP Government is focused on delivering," Mr Charls said.
Mr Yan said the project demonstrated the CLP Government's commitment to delivering real results for Central Australia, adding that work also continued on the installation of four light towers at the adjacent Jim McConville Oval, which will open up its year-round use.
"We're getting our economy back on track, turning the tide on crime, and restoring our unique Territory lifestyle, just like we promised Territorians," he said.
Football NT Vice President Nicole Jervis said Football NT was thrilled to see this project come to fruition, which she said would help nurture the next generation of Territorians football talent.
"We've long advocated for additional green space to be activated and developed in Alice Springs - we approached the CLP Government about the potential of this site because our sport desperately needs room to grow," she said.
"The Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct will open exciting new opportunities for our clubs MiniRoos, MiniTillies and Junior players and provide a quality training facility for our academy players and emerging Matildas and Socceroos preparing for their national tournaments."
To view the Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct Master Plan, visit the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure website here.
