Adelaide Crows HQ plan for Brompton Gasworks gets support of local mayor

The Adelaide Crows would be welcomed to the Brompton Gasworks with open arms if a plan to build its new HQ there is successful.

An Adelaide Crows takeover of the disused Brompton Gasworks site has been enthusiastically endorsed by the local council.

Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans backed the plan on Sunday after it was revealed the Crows have honed in on the 6ha property as its preferred location for a new headquarters.

Ms Evans, who is also the president of the Local Government Association, said Charles Sturt was “excited by the Crows’ proposal to develop the Brompton Gasworks site into a world-class facility for their club and for the football community”.

Charles Sturt Council Mayor Angela Evans.

Adelaide Football Club chairman John Olsen. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“The proposed inclusion of community use areas, including the main oval when not in use by the club, a running track, community plaza and integration with our existing greenway is absolutely fantastic,” Ms Evans said.

It was revealed on Sunday that the Crows had joined forces with Melbourne-based developer Pelligra to develop a plan for a commercial and residential development at the site as well as sell its current West Lakes headquarters.

The development could potentially include offices, clubrooms, ovals and housing.

It is understood Crows management have had talks with state government agency Renewal SA, which currently owns the gasworks land, about purchasing it for a small fee.

The costly remediation and upkeep of the land would then call on the shoulders of the Crows.

Bowden resident Katriona Kinsella, who has done work for the Hindmarsh Residents Association on the history of the Brompton Gasworks

Artists impressions of what the previous Adelaide Crows HQ plans.

She said there were “quite mixed feelings” about the Crows proposal among residents.

“This is a bit of a deviation from what was consulted on previously,” Ms Kinsella said.

“Renewal SA did a bunch of consultation about the site and I would say that a football oval wasn’t on the list.

“There was talk of mixed use business and low to medium density housing.”

She said she wanted to be “open and positive about the possibility (of the Crows’ proposal) but I would be concerned about a private entity holding quite a large land space in the area that then may not be as accessible as we would like.”

She also said she was “at a bit of a loss” as to how the site’s heritage would be honoured as part of a potential project.

Another resident, Greg Jervis, said the plan “seems a good fit for the site”.

Thebarton Oval, which is he home of the Adelaide Football League is also being considered.

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