Adelaide Parkland Authority says Crows HQ plan could be ‘inconsistent’ with Parklands Act
High level advice on the Crows’ proposal for a $65 million HQ at the Aquatic Centre site says the plan could breach laws designed to protect the parklands, with a panel casting doubt on the entire project.
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The peak advisory body for the Adelaide parklands says the Crows’ proposal for a $65 million HQ at the Aquatic Centre site could be at odds with what the city’s green belt should be used for.
Following two hours of debate, the Adelaide Park Land Authority agreed at its last meeting that the plan was “potentially inconsistent” with the Adelaide Park Lands Actand the Adelaide Park Lands Management Strategy
Members questioned whether there would be any “public benefit” in having a commercial organisation build on the land, but remained open to further information about how the Crows would operate.
Board member Craig Wilkins said while the Crows had responded to community concerns in its preliminary designs, he was unsure about whether the building should be in the parklands.
“The club has responded to some concerns around height and scale, however, the locating of the core administrative function of, let’s face it, a corporate entity on public land – does that match the spirit and intent of the Act?”, Mr Wilkins said.
Meanwhile, other members said the Crows had not released enough information to determine whether the proposal should be supported or not.
Board member Ben Willsmore said the club and council were part way through the proposal, and more information was needed.
“There is insufficient detail and there is no clear proposition … I think we need to be fair and be sure that we are not judging something too early and making too many assumptions,” Mr Willsmore said.
The Crows released draft plans for a training and administration complex to the public in December last year.
The building, within the existing footprint of the Aquatic Centre, would be no higher than two storeys and separated into three integrated sections – a new aquatic centre, community building and training and administration building.
The new building would have a smaller footprint than the existing building.
A council report said a decrease in footprint would be “viewed positively” and the building appeared “to be sympathetic to its parklands setting”.
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During a deputation, Adelaide Parklands Preservation Association president Shane Sody said a commercial business like the Crows did not benefit the parklands, even if the footprint was reduced.
Friends and Residents of North Adelaide convener Valdis Dunis feared the proposal would set a precedent for other developments in the parklands.
“If we say yes to the Crows, can we fairly say no to Port Adelaide?” Mr Dunis said.
“It will be very hard to say no.”
The authority’s recommendation would be considered by the council next week.