15 November
Construction is underway on the Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct, a major sporting investment for Alice Springs.
In September, the Finocchiaro CLP Government awarded Territory business Asbuild NT the $14.3 million design and construction contract.
Due for completion in 2027, the precinct will include two multipurpose training fields, change rooms, a canteen, shaded spectator areas and additional parking.
Construction has kicked off on the Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct in Alice Springs, which will provide modern shared facilities to support local sporting clubs, community participation, and the future Alice Springs College.
Located on the grounds of Centralian Middle School, which will soon become Alice Springs College, the precinct will provide irrigated playing fields that can be adapted for multiple sporting codes, giving students and local clubs more room to train and play.
During a visit to Alice Springs on Wednesday, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the project demonstrated the CLP Government's commitment to restoring the Territory lifestyle and putting children and communities first.
"Sport is a big part of Territory life. It brings families and communities together and gives young Territorians the chance to build confidence, make friends and be part of a team," the Chief Minister said.
"With this precinct just around the corner from the new Alice Springs College, and construction underway on the Multicultural Centre, there's a real sense of momentum in Alice Springs.
"We promised better sporting facilities and to make Alice Springs a great place to live, work and visit and we're getting on with the job."
Asbuild NT was awarded the $14.3 million contract in September to complete the final design and construction of the facility, with site clearing and civil works to take place over the coming months.
The precinct will feature two multipurpose training fields, change rooms and associated amenities. Flexible line marking and removable infrastructure, including goal posts, will allow the fields to be configured for a variety of sports.
A canteen, spectator shade structures, additional car parking, bike racks and low-maintenance landscaping will support players, families and visitors.
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure and Member for Namatjira Bill Yan said the precinct would provide much-needed sporting facilities.
"Alice Springs is sports mad, and these fields will give our local clubs more room to grow while supporting plenty of jobs during construction," Minister Yan said.
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment and Member for Braitling Joshua Burgoyne said construction starting marked a major milestone for the new development.
"It is fantastic to see construction has now begun at the Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct, which will be of great benefit to both our local sporting clubs and the incoming Alice Springs College," Minister Burgoyne said.
"Local families and sporting groups have asked for more space to train and play, and our Government has listened - we are giving students and local clubs access to better facilities, with flexible fields that different sports and age groups can share."
Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls said the project was a major investment in the future of sport and recreation in Alice Springs.
"We know how important sport is to the Territory lifestyle, and the Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct will provide more opportunities for children, families and the broader community to get active, get involved and enjoy local sport," Minister Charls said.
"Our Finocchiaro CLP Government is committed to delivering real opportunities for Central Australia. This project will leave a lasting legacy for Alice Springs, providing modern facilities that can be enjoyed by local residents for years to come."
Asbuild NT owner Nadine Domine said the Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct would provide Alice Springs with a high-quality sporting facility.
"We are proud to be working with the NT Government to create a new sporting facility which will support thousands of children in Alice Springs to play the sports they enjoy so much," Ms Domine said.
"The Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct will provide a modern and flexible sporting facility with irrigated playing fields for multiple sporting codes.
"The facility will also include shaded spectator areas for parents and more car parking and bike racks."
Football NT Vice-President Nicole Jervis said the precinct would give local players and clubs more room to develop and help strengthen football in Alice Springs.
"Football is the Territory's most-played sport, and our juniors deserve room to grow. We're the world game, played right here in the Territory. We're the multicultural game in a multicultural town, and that's what makes football and Alice Springs such a natural fit.
"Football NT have invested more with staff on the ground and establishing pathways for our kids, we're backing this region for the long haul, and it's great that the Government is doing that as well. We see a long future for football here at Gillen Oval".
Construction is expected to finish in 2027.
