Work on South Australia's new regional synthetic athletics track has kicked off at Bridgestone Reserve in Salisbury.
South Australian company BluBuilt Construction will design and construct the new community building while Polytan will be responsible for the new 400 metre state-of-the-art athletics track, after both were contracted in a City of Salisbury tender process.
The new Bridgestone Athletics Centre will provide a key training ground for athletes of all levels and be used by at least three northern suburb athletics clubs including Northern Districts Athletics Club, Salisbury Little Athletics and Ingle Farm Little Athletics Centre. In addition, regional and state associations, including northern school students will also benefit with greater access to world class facilities in the north.
City of Salisbury Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM said the centre would cater to the growing popularity of athletics and provide a modern venue for participants ranging from Olympians to northern based schools, clubs and the wider athletics community.
"The Bridgestone Athletics Centre is one of the most anticipated sporting facilities in northern Adelaide and it is exciting to see it come to fruition with support from State Government and Council, as well as Bridgestone, Athletics SA and Little Athletics SA," Mayor Aldridge said.
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard welcomed the $5.3 million development, which received $1.495m in funding from the State Government.
"With the growing popularity of athletics, this facility will provide fresh opportunities for local clubs and other participants living in the north," Minister Wingard said.
Little Athletics SA CEO Sue Bowman said, "The new facility will help our young athletes to do their best and promote a wider participation from families in the northern suburbs."
Athletics SA CEO Shane Fuller said, "Bridgestone Reserve was identified as our preferred site for an athletics facility in the north and this facility will fill a critical need for infrastructure to meet growing demand."
Construction will begin in November with expected completion in mid 2020.
Bridgestone Reserve, a 6.8-hectare site, was donated to the Salisbury community by Bridgestone following the cessation of their local manufacturing operations in 2010.
In 2017, Bridgestone Reserve was opened with irrigated turf playing surfaces, a playground, public toilets, walking track, and community fitness equipment and barbeque facilities.
The turf play space located close to the train line has been chosen for the development of the athletics facility.
The site has been deemed appropriate for the development given it physical attributes, safety and security, accessibility and alignment with strategic and land use planning.
Ground Breaking Ceremony
1 November 2019
