Adelaide Crows vow ‘extensive and meaningful’ community engagement to ease concerns over Thebarton HQ plan

The Adelaide Crows have announced a new tactic to get their bid for a new HQ at Thebarton Oval over the line, after outcry from some nearby residents.

The Adelaide Crows are vowing to conduct “extensive and meaningful community engagement” in a bid to soothe residents’ concerns about the club’s plan to build headquarters at Thebarton Oval.

In a letter to West Torrens Council, Crows chief Tim Silvers outlines a Community Engagement Plan, declaring this a crucial step in formulating a draft master plan for the inner-western Oval and adjacent Kings Reserve.

Mr Silvers says this will include written material in numerous languages, face-to-face sessions, an online survey and a purpose-built website.
Premier Peter Malinauskas has urged a balance between the Crows’ $80m plans and community interests, following residents expressing concern at the consultation process, parking, traffic and open-space access.

Artist impressions of the Crows’ proposed new base at Thebarton Oval. CREDIT: City Collective

“We will reach out to interested and affected residents and groups, including but not limited to, sporting clubs, schools and local traders,” Mr Silvers, the Crows’ chief executive officer says.

“By doing so, these important stakeholders will be kept informed and feedback will be taken into account in the master plan.

“We know that quality, publicly accessible space is a high priority. We also believe our proposal – once fully designed and viewed in its entirety – will provide access to more green space than ever before.”

The Crows in August revealed plans for the 9.1ha site including two AFL-size grounds – one equivalent to Adelaide Oval and another like the MCG.

The plans also included “more member and fan-focused areas, such as an interactive museum and cafe, along with greater on-site carparking options”.

In his letter to the council, Mr Silvers says the club looks forward to having representation on the council’s Masterplan Advisory Group, as well as receiving input from residents, elected members and council staff.

“In addition, our own initiatives will also seek to increase our understanding of local sentiment, ensure we take a well-informed approach to formulating our master plan, and ultimately deliver better outcomes,” he says.

“This is an intergenerational project and we must get it right.”

Artist impressions of the Crows’ proposed HQ on game day. CREDIT: City Collective

Mr Silvers adds to previous acknowledgments by the club of the importance of “quality, publicly accessible space”, arguing the Crows’ proposal will “provide more access to green space than ever before”.

He also argues fears about traffic congestion would be eased by the state government’s commitment for a direct entry and exit to the precinct from South Rd.

West Torrens Mayor Michael Coxon in October said the consultation process would continue until a decision could be made in March, April or May 2023.

Originally published as Adelaide Crows vow ‘extensive and meaningful’ community engagement to ease concerns over Thebarton HQ plan