$10m expansion plan for Robe sporting grounds includes larger oval, new netball and tennis courts and elevated spectator stands
An SA coastal town that’s hugely popular with tourists has revealed ambitious plans for a sporting upgrade at the local oval.
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A major upgrade to Robe’s sporting grounds have been put forward in a bid for council support.
Under the initial plans by the Robe Sports and Recreation Association, a larger oval with new lighting, sheltered seating area, and two-storey social club was suggested at the O’Halloran Street sporting grounds.
But the $57m development was considered too “ambitious”, the association told a council briefing session in June and it is now considering a $10m plan.
The association has a long-term lease until at least 2041 on the council-owned land, which is home to multiple local sporting clubs including the Robe Football and Netball Club, tennis, cricket and squash clubs.
Initial concept plans for the development included an expanded football/cricket oval bordered by new lighting, sheltered spectator seating built above the changerooms and resurfaced netball and tennis courts with new lighting.
A new two-storey social club venue, community facilities linked to a new gym and a multi-sports indoor court stadium were also part of the plan.
The association said appropriate surveying of the land and facilities was needed as part of the next stage of the project.
The plan has since been refined to a smaller scale, which will see the club develop its facilities for the foreseeable future.
The project is included in the council’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan because council owns the grounds.
It is yet to commit any of its funds to the expansion and there is no allocation for the project in its long-term financial plan for 2024-2034.
In-principle support was given by the council to the project, which association representatives said will enable them to progress the development, including seeking funding support.
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