Former Walkerville YMCA building to get $5m funding for new recreation hub, SA Labor vows

A $5m sweetener has been promised to redevelop a popular inner suburbs gymnasium earmarked for potential rezoning.

Supporters of the Walkerville YMCA who had opposed plans to rezone the land and building. Picture: MATT LOXTON

The state opposition has pledged $5m towards the redevelopment of the former Walkerville YMCA recreation building if it wins the state election.

Labor leader Peter Malinauskas and Adelaide candidate Lucy Hood made the commitment providing the revamped building stayed publicly owned and was used as a recreation and wellbeing hub.

The Smith St centre was closed last December after owner the Walkerville Council refused to renew the Inner North East of Adelaide YMCA’s lease.

The decision coincided with the council undertaking a process to revoke the land’s community status, which the opposition says could pave the way for the council to sell the site to developers.

The YMCA had operated in the area for more than 60 years offering indoor court sports, a gymnasium and fitness classes.

Ms Hood said she had heard “time and time again” the importance of the YMCA.

“The foot traffic generated from this community hub was also incredibly important to local small businesses,” she said.

Mr Malinauskas said the state government had not made “any attempts” to save the community hub.

A council spokeswoman said the council hoped to present a revocation report to elected members in August.

“The outcome of this will determine whether or not we move forward with the revocation …,” she said.

The council has said the ageing building would cost $500,000 to repair.