NT government unveils masterplan for Gillen Oval upgrade in Alice Springs

An Alice Springs oval is getting a massive upgrade, with a master plan now released for the site. Read the latest.

A render of what the completed works at Gillen Oval in Alice Springs could look like. The NT Government has announced their master plan for Gillen Oval, with work on the project expected to start next year. Picture: NTG

Construction is expected to start on a massive oval upgrade in Alice Springs next year, as the masterplan for a multi-sport precinct for the site is released.

The masterplan for the Gillen Oval multi-sport precinct will be released to the public on Thursday, with a detailed design now being developed for the site, the Northern Territory Government announced.

“It’s exciting to see how the plans are shaping up. Everyone knows how sports mad we are in this town, and this precinct will be a hive of activity every week of the year,” NT Treasurer Bill Yan said.

The government has put $14.5 million towards building the first stage of the project, with construction due to begin next year.

Braitling MLA Josh Burgoyne and Namatjira MLA Bill Yan at Jim McConville Oval, Gillen, holding their pitch for the election pitch for the multi-sports facility. Picture: File

The tender for the project was opened in June.

The project, which involves two new multipurpose training fields “with flexible line marking” as well as removable sporting infrastructure, will be completed by 2027, according to a government media release.

The CLP first announced the project last year on the election trail in Alice Springs, committing to it in November when a $27m CLP cash splash was announced in the town.

Mr Yan spruiked the masterplan being released as proof the government was delivering on a promise to deliver a new sporting ground to the Alice Springs community.

CLP Braitling MLA Josh Burgoyne, who is also the lands, planning, and environment minister, said this project would deliver additional sporting facilities young people had asked for.

A render of what the completed works at Gillen Oval in Alice Springs could look like. Picture: NTG

“We’re creating opportunities for young people to connect, learn, and grow while supporting coaching and volunteering opportunities. We can’t wait to see it all come together,” he said.

Football NT vice president Nicole Jervis also praised the latest development, as the body had “long advocated for additional green space to be activated and developed in Alice Springs”.

“We approached the CLP Government about the potential of this site because our sport desperately needs room to grow,” she said.

“The Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct will open exciting new opportunities for our clubs MiniRoos, MiniTillies and junior players and provide a quality training facility for our academy players and emerging Matildas and Socceroos preparing for their national tournaments.”

Originally published as NT government unveils masterplan for Gillen Oval upgrade in Alice Springs