Will $5.3m revamp of Norwood Oval ever start?
A HIGHLY-anticipated, multi-million redevelopment of Norwood Oval has again been delayed — for the third time this year. Here’s what’s caused the latest hold up.
- One man’s role in delaying start date of work on $5.3m revamp to clubrooms at Norwood Oval
- Work set to start on $5.3 million Norwood Oval upgrade in early 2016
- Former Crows recruiting boss James Fantasia returns to SANFL club Norwood
A MULTI-million redevelopment of Norwood Oval has again been delayed after the state planning authority deferred a decision on the project.
The Development Assessment Commission this month assessed the $5.3 million plan for a new grandstand, function room and clubroom to replace the oval’s Baulderstone Stand, but said it wanted more information about the proposal.
The commission has asked Norwood, Payneham & St Peters Council — which owns the Wood St oval — to more information on traffic management and opening hours for a 180-person capacity function room and ground-floor bar.
During public consultation on the plans, six Wood St residents raised concerns about the proposed function room, saying it would create noise and traffic problems, as well as intrude on their privacy.
NP & SP acting chief executive Carlos Buzzetti last week said the council was preparing a response to the commission and was hopeful the plans would be approved before the end of the year.
Mr Buzzetti was unsure when demolition work would start, but Norwood Football Club chief executive James Fantasia was confident the project would be ready for the start of 2018 SANFL season.
Mr Fantasia said the club had fundraised about $900,000 for the upgrade, which had also received a $250,000 Federal Government grant.
Work on the redevelopment was initially set to start in April.
But that start date was scrapped after Glynde resident Philip Groves lodged a complaint over NP & SP’s $2 million contribution to the project, triggering a three-month investigation.
The state Ombudsman threw out Mr Groves’ complaint, upholding the findings of an internal council review which found the spending was justified.