Construction will begin within weeks on a new community sporting facility in the Adelaide Park Lands, the first such upgrade as part of a new City of Adelaide building program.
The new clubrooms at Golden Wattle Park / Mirnu Wirra (Park 21W) on Goodwood Road will be built in collaboration with the Adelaide Community Sports and Recreation Association (ACSARA).
The existing 1960s-era structure will be replaced with a modern building boasting six unisex change rooms, a kitchen, common area, sheltered outdoor space, public toilets, kiosk, umpire facilities and first aid rooms.
Aussie rules, cricket, soccer, ultimate frisbee, netball and school sports teams which use Golden Wattle Park / Mirnu Wirra (Park 21W) will occupy the new building.
Preliminary site works will start in April, with construction to be completed in two stages. The first stage involves building a new facility while users continue to use the existing building. Once they move into the new building, work on a second adjacent structure will start.
The new clubrooms will include sustainable features such as natural light, ventilation, cool roof and plantings native to their surroundings.
Lord Mayor of Adelaide Dr Jane Lomax-Smith said the project was the culmination of a lengthy investigation into the future use of community buildings owned by the City of Adelaide within the Park Lands.
"Competitive and recreational amenity is important as the residential population of the city expands," said the Lord Mayor.
"Clubrooms must meet modern expectations though and that's a key reason why we developed a co-funding model to replace tired and outdated buildings after several decades of low investment.
"Golden Wattle Park was identified as the first complex to be replaced, with the West Adelaide Soccer Club's ageing facilities at Park 27B to follow."
ACSARA President Mark Borgas said the association was very pleased to see the project starting following several years of negotiations and planning.
"ACSARA looks forward to making the Park 21W precinct a thriving hub for community sport and recreation," said Mr Borgas.
"This milestone reflects the countless hours and financial commitment of ACSARA members who have been critical in getting to this stage and we thank the City of Adelaide, Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR), SANFL and SACA for their support."
ORSR Chief Executive Kylie Taylor said this project is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared vision for community sport.
"These modern, inclusive facilities will support a wide range of users and help ensure more South Australians can participate in sport and recreation in a welcoming and accessible environment," Ms Taylor said.
"Upgrading infrastructure like this is critical to meeting the needs of growing communities, and we're proud to have contributed $1.5 million through our funding programs to deliver a space that will serve clubs, schools and the broader community for years to come."
