Property Council SA chief Daniel Gannon warns Adelaide Crows $65m HQ at risk from fear campaign
The Adelaide Crows’ plans for a $65 million transformation of Adelaide Aquatic Centre are at risk of being hijacked by hyperbole and fear campaigns, the real estate lobby says.
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The Adelaide Crows’ plans for a $65 million transformation of Adelaide Aquatic Centre are at risk of being hijacked by hyperbole and fear campaigns, imperilling the final outcome, warns Property Council state chief Daniel Gannon.
Responding to latest designs, including an Olympic-size pool, Mr Gannon urged Adelaide City Council to back the Crows’ planned new headquarters and follow up sensible decisions to redevelop the Adelaide Central Market and North Adelaide’s former Le Cornu site.
Mr Gannon was among identities to reject an invitation to argue the case for the Crows plans at an Adelaide Park Lands Preservation Association (PLPA) debate scheduled for Wednesday, at which the proposal’s opponents include former lord mayor Jane Lomax-Smith.
The PLPA has spearheaded opposition to the Crows’ plans, arguing it would erode public space through commercial intrusion into Adelaide’s invaluable green fringe.
But Mr Gannon said: “If we allow the public debate to be hijacked by hyperbole and fear campaigns, we’ll end up with an inferior outcome on site.
“The proposed development will deliver a better outcome for North Adelaide traders as well as ratepayers, given the existing site bleeds revenue every year.
“The options are simple – either the site remains as it currently is and continues to erode and waste ratepayers’ money, or we embrace change and breathe new life back into the precinct.”
Mr Gannon said the council had to make an important decision but praised previous moves to redevelop the Central Market, roll out Ten Gigabit Adelaide and seize control of 88 O’Connell St (the former Le Cornu site).
Adelaide Football Club chief executive officer Andrew Fagan said: “Our club has always been committed to delivering a sports and community hub that benefits as many people as possible.
“This obviously includes modern and improved aquatic and gymnasium facilities and public access ovals, but also focuses on attracting more people to the O’Connell St precinct.
“We are eager to engage and collaborate with local traders as part of making this overall project a huge success.”
Formal plans for the site will be released after the council completes public consultation about desired facilities, which could be extended until March 11.
Wednesday’s debate, at the North Adelaide Community Centre, will be moderated by former lord mayor Stephen Yarwood. Former Liberal deputy premier Graham Ingerson will argue the case for the Crows’ new headquarters.
Mr Fagan also declined to speak at the debate.
