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West parklands to be transformed with $7m sporting hub set to be approved

A SPORTING hub worth more than $7 million that will transform the west parklands is set to be rubber stamped by Adelaide City Council next week.

An artist’s impression of the proposed SACA development at Park 25. Image: Adelaide City Council
An artist’s impression of the proposed SACA development at Park 25. Image: Adelaide City Council

A SPORTING hub worth more than $7 million that will transform the west parklands is set to be rubber-stamped by Adelaide City Council on Tuesday.

The hub includes new car parking and a pavilion opposite the new RAH hospital at the ground known by many as Park 25.

The site has also been earmarked to potentially house the City Beach volley ball courts currently situated at the corner of Pirie and Frome Streets.

While SACA is the sole contributor to the project, the facilities will also be used by the Old Ignatians Football Club and Lacrosse SA.

Lord Mayor Martin Haese said the development is a win for sports and recreation while minimising the impact on the parklands.

“Anyone who hasn’t seen Park 25 these days should have a look and those who have — would know there is certainly room for improvement,” he said.

“This has been years in the making and the plan that has been put forward to us is a very good one in terms of the quality of the playing fields and the infrastructure. SACA did a wonderful job working with us to reduce the footprint on the parklands.”

The project once voted on by council next week will go out for public consultation.

SACA initially requested that the council waive 42 years of rent in lieu of the capital investment being made.

Councillor Phil Martin expressed concerns over ratepayers having to foot the bill to provide a new access road and lighting to the area along with the offer of generous rent.

“Residents and ratepayers have been hit for six and they are going to keep getting belted for the next 42 years,” he said.

“This facility is not open to all South Australians — I’d love to roll up on a Saturday and have a beer and watch the cricket but I will not be permitted to do that nor will the people of Adelaide on whose parklands this facility sits.

“They are not doing us a favour — we are doing them a favour .... I can’t work this out.”

In terms of the possible relocation of City Beach to the west parklands, Mr Haese said it would be better if it could be kept in the city.

“We don’t have a formal position on this but I think it would be wonderful to keep it in the city,” he said.

“If it wasn’t, would Park 25 be an appropriate location? It could be if people attend. I think a CBD rooftop or on the roof of one of our carparks could equally be something to explore.”

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/west-parklands-to-be-transformed-with-7m-sporting-hub-set-to-be-approved/news-story/dcd27538a5e8002d7bf09f517a8402e2