Major redevelopment proposed for Walkerville Oval sporting precinct

A $12.5m redevelopment has been proposed for an inner-northern suburbs sporting precinct. See the plans.

An indoor recreation facility and upgraded clubroom will be built at an inner-northern suburbs sporting precinct under a $12.5m proposal to boost numbers of people getting involved.

Walkerville Council has announced plans to redevelop the Walkerville Oval sporting precinct, which is “no longer fit for purpose”.

A report says the existing recreation facility building is “beyond its reasonable life” and should be torn down.

A major redevelopment has been proposed for the Walkerville Oval sporting precinct. Picture: URPS

A major redevelopment has been proposed for the Walkerville Oval sporting precinct. Picture: URPS

A major redevelopment has been proposed for the Walkerville Oval sporting precinct. Picture: URPS

A major redevelopment has been proposed for the Walkerville Oval sporting precinct. Picture: URPS

“(It) requires replacement to bring it up to current standards,” the report said.

Walkerville Mayor Melissa Jones said the redevelopment was essential, particularly for facilities such as the bowls club.

“That building was at the end of its life. It’s about 60 years old and kind of really falling apart,” Ms Jones said.

“While it’s primarily a bowling and community club, it will be able to be used for lots of different things.

“We know the bridge club currently uses it, and lots of people will be able to use it for a 21st [birthday party] and parties, so it will just be a really great community facility.”

Ms Jones said the redevelopment will give the area a much-needed boost and cater to “a wide variety of people”.

“We’ll have programs for everyone,” she said.

As part of the three-stage makeover, a building with multi-use sports courts, offices, amenities and a kiosk will be built, while a clubroom at the Walkerville Bowling and Community Club will be demolished and redeveloped.