South Australian government invests $15m for new State Basketball Centre at Wayville creating up to 64 jobs during construction

South Australian basketball - and the Adelaide Lightning - will get a new $15m arena, creating 64 jobs during construction.

A 1600-seat show court is the centrepiece of a $15m investment in South Australian basketball.

The state government is funding a new State Basketball Centre at Wayville to serve as headquarters for the Adelaide Lightning, Basketball SA, SA Country Basketball and SA Wheelchair Basketball.

The centre will be built on publicly-owned land next to the existing Wayville Sports Centre on Rose Tce and provide four extra courts. Retractable seating would also transform the arena into a 1600-seat show court.

The State Government will spend $15m on a new State Basketball Centre to provide a home for the Adelaide Lightning and Basketball SA. Credit: DesignInc

The government said work is expected to begin after the Royal Adelaide Show and be completed by September next year. It said up 64 jobs would be created during construction.

Recreation and Sports Minister Corey Wingard said the government’s State Sport and Infrastructure plan had identified the need for an alternative home for community basketball and the Adelaide Lightning women’s team.

“The additional four courts in the State Basketball Centre will take the Wayville venue to seven courts overall, which will alleviate pressure on local suburban and country basketball courts, meaning more kids will have the opportunity to play basketball and be active,” he said.

The outside of the proposed State Basketball Centre at Wayville. Image: DesignInc

Basketball SA chief executive Phil Sinnot said the development would allow the organisation to expand local and country tournaments, carnivals and high-performance programs.

“We are also excited to have the ability to host national championships and showcase this facility to the rest of Australia,” he said.

The 1928 David Roche and the Thomas Edmonds pavilions would be demolished for the project.

The David Roche building - which serves as the dog pavilion for during Royal Adelaide Show - was named in honour of the late art collector and philanthropist in 2008 in recognition of his service to the canine community.

The Thomas Edmonds pavilion is home to touring opera company Co-Opera.

The David Roche and Thomas Edmonds pavilions would be flattened for the State Basketball Centre, which will be built next to the existing Wayville Sports Centre. Credit: DesignInc,

The new basketball centre would allow local, district, state and national league teams to train from the same venue.

The Adelaide Lightning currently train at the Adelaide 36ers arena at Findon.

The Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA will be able to use the centre during the Royal Adelaide Show.

The centre is on government owned land. The RAHSSA lease the existing Wayville Sports Centre to Basketball SA.