Video: First stage of $1bn WEST development at West Lakes nearly finished after AAMI Stadium sale
ADELAIDE’S Football Park precinct has undergone many changes over time. But the view from above about changes since the AAMI Stadium sale offer a new perspective. See the drone footage.
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IT was the suburban stadium where Crows legend Tony Modra took flight, fans rocked out to music giants U2 and international cricket was welcomed when it was shut-out of other grounds.
Outside, supporters fired up barbecues in car parks, kids emulated their heroes with a game of kick-to-kick and thousands of fans rubbed shoulders fighting for seats on the Footy Express.
Now, the roar of “baaaaaaaaaaal” from the crowd is just a distant memory as, soon, will be Football Park itself.
The SANFL sold the AAMI Stadium precinct to developers Commercial & General for $71 million in November 2014.
Now, 2 ½ years later, the first stage of the $1 billion, 1600-home WEST development at West Lakes is nearing completion.
The first occupants of 62 new homes and two apartment blocks are set to move in this August.
They will be just a drop-punt away from where the Crows and Power slugged it out in front of 50,000 screaming fans in 35 Showdowns from 1997 to 2013.
WEST project director Chris Menz said the development was progressing well and sales had already exceeded $70 million in the first 18 months.
“We’re thrilled with the response from the community and are really proud of delivering a lifestyle in Adelaide’s west that offers a range of exciting housing options, plenty of green space and a genuine connection to coastal living,” Mr Menz said.
“We’re also about to make some announcements about what will be a thriving retail high street.
”It’s exciting to watch the transformation of what is a very special part of Adelaide.”
Drone photographs show development is well underway on Max Basheer Reserve — the former Crows’ training ground where supporters used to get up close and personal with their idols.
The Crows will continue to practice at Football Park, which will also become a public reserve when the floodlights are taken down and stands demolished, bringing down the curtain on more than four decades of history.
-STEVE RICE