Residents take fight against $3.6m Goodwood Oval upgrade to court
Two local residents who argue Goodwood Oval’s new $3.6 million clubhouse is “more like a hotel” than a sporting facility are set to oppose the development in court.
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Two local residents who argue Goodwood Oval’s proposed $3.6 million clubhouse is “more like a hotel” than a sporting facility are set to oppose the development in court.
Michael Polacek and Matthew Stead have filed a notice of appeal in the Environment, Resources and Development Court against the Unley Council plan, which would see the grandstand demolished and replaced with a two-storey building.
It would include four unisex changerooms, two umpires changerooms, a gym and a function centre and bar looking out over the ground on the second storey.
Mr Stead and Mr Polacek argued the new building was “more like a hotel” than a clubhouse and was “visually imposing and massive”.
The pair have also highlighted issues with parking, loss of trees and the development being too close to private residences.
The action comes after Mr Stead unsuccessfully opposed Goodwood Saints Football Club’s plan, also in the ERD court, to use lights at night on additional days.
All parties are due to meet for a conciliation conference in the ERD Court in May.
Club president Craig Scott said the capacity of the function room, which would be used for club events only, had been reduced from 200 to 150 people to placate the residents.
The Eastern Courier Messenger reported in November the plan had been tweaked, with the building slightly lower and narrower than first planned.
The former state government committed $2.5 million to the grandstand redevelopment in November 2017, with the council signing off on initial concept designs in April last year.
The council also contributed $950,000 towards the new building.
Member for Badcoe Jayne Stinson said she was “eager” to see construction start.
“This very popular project will finally bring sporting facilities in our area up to modern standards, with disability access and changerooms for girls and women,” Ms Stinson said.
“The oval is in a residential area and that’s meant thorough consultation with local residents has been very important.
“I understand some people still have concerns and I support their right to raise that before the ERD Court.”
The 1960s-built grandstand had been labelled by the oval’s tenants — Goodwood Saints Football Club and Goodwood Cricket Club — as “one of the poorest in Adelaide”.
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