Thebarton Oval won’t be acquired for North-South Corridor – now both Adelaide Crows and SANFL are pushing to redevelop it

Thebby Oval won’t be bulldozed for the North-South Corridor – bringing back to life a battle between the Adelaide Crows and SANFL to redevelop it as a new HQ.

The Adelaide Crows are locked in a battle with the SANFL over which group will get to redevelop Thebarton Oval.

The Advertiser understands the state government has written to the oval’s owners, West Torrens Council, saying the site will not be compulsorily acquired as part of the $9.9bn North-South Corridor road project.

It has revived a rivalry for the oval between the Crows and the existing council tenant, the SANFL.

The Crows are exploring the option of building a new headquarters at Thebarton Oval, after missing out on deals to move to the Adelaide Aquatic Centre or the former Brompton Gasworks.

Thebarton Oval will not be compulsorily acquired for the North-South Corridor, reviving the battle between the Crows and the SANFL to redevelop the site as a headquarters. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

But the SANFL wants to renew its lease at Thebarton and launch its own $18m redevelopment of the ground, which is also home to the Adelaide Footy League.

Talks between the Crows, the SANFL and the council are ongoing but remain confidential.

It is understood some members of the council want the SANFL removed so the Crows can move from West Lakes and be closer to the city, arguing the ground is not big enough to accommodate both groups.

SANFL CEO Darren Chandler said his organisation remained committed to Thebarton Oval.

“SANFL is continuing to review its options for the development of a major talent and community football hub planned for Thebarton Oval,’’ he said.

“We are continuing to hold confidential discussions with both the City of West Torrens and Adelaide Football Club to find the best outcome for the SANFL.”

The Crows would not comment on the private talks – however, saving Thebarton Oval from the South Rd roadworks is likely to push the club into offering a better sweetener deal to the SANFL.

The reference design shows a section of road at West Hindmarsh would be elevated 11m in order to retain local heritage sites. Picture: Supplied

It is keen for the SANFL to take up its offer of freehold land at West Lakes in exchange for moving out of Thebarton.

The Crows could also still strike a deal for the Brompton Gasworks – its preferred choice – as the new state government is reviewing a decision by the former Marshall government to hand the land to international developers instead of the football club.

West Torrens Council declined to comment on the confidential negotiations.

The state government is reviewing designs for the final sections of the North-South Corridor, between Darlington and the River Torrens, as reported by the Sunday Mail

Two elevated road sections, one near Thebarton Oval, are out of favour with new Infrastructure Minister Tom Koutsantonis.

Work on the final sections has been delayed by a year to 2024, with likely completion pushed back to 2031.