‘The Lights’ Lightsview basketball stadium cost grows to $30 million

A NEW basketball stadium at Lightsview will cost $7 million more than predicted last year — but will include an extra court and more space for other sports.

The planned new The Lights basketball stadium for Lightsview.

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A NEW basketball stadium at Lightsview will cost close to $30 million — $7 million more than predicted in June.

Port Adelaide Enfield councillors last week signed off on the new home of the North Adelaide Rockets, which will replace the run-down Hillcrest Basketball Stadium on North East Rd and also offer space for other sports and community groups.

Works will begin this month and be finished by August next year for the new venue on Hampstead Rd, to be known as “The Lights”.

At last week’s meeting the councillors opted for a $29.7 million five-court stadium plan, which includes about $24.9 million for construction costs and about $4.7 million for the land.

It had also been looking into a four-court option costing about $1 million less.

A report tabled at the meeting by accounting firm Dean Newbery & Partners stated the increase in construction costs was estimated to be more than $7 million — in June the construction was costed at $18 million.

The council will borrow more money to fund the project.

North Adelaide Rockets junior basketballers Josh and Kaity at the site of the new The Lights stadium. Source: File

Northfield Ward councillor and acting mayor Matt Osborn said last week five courts was a “massive advantage” because 18 per cent more income was expected to be generate — about $361,679 per year — than with four courts.

The council was promised a further $425,000 in January on top of a $3.5 million grant already given from the State Government if it chose to go with five courts.

“There’s a real shortfall of indoor facilities up the eastern end of the council area, so I’m proud of this investment we’re making,” Cr Osborn said.

“We’re stoked with this additional $425,000, and will be able to deliver a much better result for the community.

“The Lights will soon become an iconic building up this end of town that locals will be rightfully proud of,” he said.

The stadium will cater for a host of other sports including netball, lacrosse, hockey, volleyball, indoor bowls, wheelchair sports, roller derby and badminton.

The sale of 8000sq m of land where Hillcrest stadium currently sits is expected to help offset the hub’s costs.