Prospect Oval set sights on becoming number two to Adelaide Oval

A $17 million transformation would turn this city-fringe oval into a hub for footy and cricket — second only to Adelaide Oval.

Prospect mayor David O'Loughlin at Prospect Oval which his council hopes to transform into the number two footing and cricket hub in South Australia after Adelaide Oval. Picture: Supplied.

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Bold plans are well advanced for a multimillion-dollar transformation of Prospect Oval into the state’s number two sporting ground for footy and cricket after Adelaide Oval.

The $17 million revamp also aims to make the expanded precinct the hub for female and indigenous sport in South Australia.

The major revitalisation program for the Prospect Oval precinct include re-sizing the oval playing surface to match Adelaide Oval, the building of a new community sports centre, upgrading the functions centre and installation of new sports lighting.

Other elements of the upgrade include creating spaces for community events, refurbishing the oval’s heritage features and relocating the RSL.

East Torrens batsman Ben Dougall cuts for four at Prospect Oval in January. Picture: AAP / Dean Martin

The makeover is part of Prospect Council’s grand plan which has been promoted to both Liberal and Labor federal politicians ahead of the expected May election.

The plan also includes a $15 million upgrade of the Broadview Sports and Recreation Precinct, and a $4.8 million upgrade of the northern parklands adjacent to the Adelaide Aquatic Centre which last week was spruiked as a possible new home for the Adelaide Crows.

The plan includes a $1.2 million for the Charles Cane Reserve in the west of the council area to improve playing conditions for sports such as soccer, lacrosse and cricket.

Prospect Mayor David O’Loughlin told The Advertiser: “Council loves the introduction of women’s sport to Prospect Oval and we fully support plans to embed women’s footy and cricket as staples for the inner north.”

He noted that Prospect Oval is currently slightly longer than Adelaide Oval and slightly narrower.

“The project is to realign the oval, so all the fences and terraces will be redone,” he said, adding” “The project is possible but will be expensive.”

Broadview Oval fitness track in Prospect. Picture: Supplied by Prospect Council.

Mr O’Loughlin said there was no doubt that the Broadview Oval Precinct, which is the home to six sporting clubs, was “heavily used by the community and most of the buildings are well beyond their use-by date”.

The plan included building, in partnership with Tennis SA and Tennis Australia, a 14-court facility to host regional tournaments. This aspect of the project has an estimated cost of $3,5 million.

Other upgrades at Broadview includes a walking and running track, a playspace area, picnic facilities, a dog park and a BMX track. Scheduled sporting facility works include upgrades to the oval surface, a new turf wicket and redevelopment of one of the three existing bowling greens to cater for all-weather play.

Plans are to build a new two-storey community facility/clubroom building as the central hub at Broadview for football, cricket, Lions Club and other community clubroom facilities, change rooms, a gymnasium, a bar and potentially a restaurant.

Mr O’Loughlin said: “Broadview was originally built by volunteers and clubs that use the oval need every assistance in bringing the facilities up to modern standards.”

Broadview Oval playspace Prospect. Picture: Supplied by Prospect Council.

Council will contribute $5 million to the project and $10 million is being sought from federal government.

Asked about the prospect of attracting federal money on the eve of an election for Prospect and Broadview ovals, Mr O’Loughlin said: “It would be nice to see parties invest some of the taxes they have collected off local people in their own neighbourhoods for a change.

“All we are really after is our fair share,” he said.