Elizabeth Oval, Central Districts home-ground in Adelaide’s north, to undergo $79m upgrade
The home-ground of an SANFL footy club will be transformed in a huge state-of-the art sporting and community hub. See the images.
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Elizabeth Oval is gearing up for a massive $79m makeover to transform the ageing football grounds into northern Adelaide’s newest, multipurpose community hub.
The ambitious, long-term masterplan developed by Central District Football Club and the SANFL was officially endorsed by Playford Council on Tuesday.
Located on Goodman Rd, Elizabeth, the oval would be revamped in four zoned stages designed to support sporting and community needs “over the coming years”, Centrals CEO Greg Edwards said.
Funding for the masterplan - dubbed a “strategic guide” - would be split by the club, council, and potential government contributions.
In stage one, a $34.4m grand central facility would replace Central District’s current building to become a new hospitality venue for better game-day viewing and a club administration hub.
The ground floor would feature gaming facilities and a bistro while the upper floor would be reserved for administration offices and function spaces open for community hire.
A new entry plaza and eastern wing, costing $6.68m, would add a welcoming touch to the new precinct, once it’s completed in the second stage.
It would boast landscaped public spaces, playground, spectator platforms and upgraded ticket booth and entry gates.
Central Districts CEO Greg Edwards said they had worked to ensure the masterplan met the needs of the club, members and “passionate” supporters.
“Centrals has a proud history here, and we’re excited about the opportunity to help shape the future of Elizabeth Oval,” Mr Edwards said.
“The masterplan will help us meet modern standards, expand what we can offer to the community, and make sure the oval continues to be a central hub for football and connection in the north.”
In the third stage, the current grandstand would get a $22m revamp instead of being demolished, with a new home coach’s box, renovated, inclusive changerooms and upgraded terraces with accessibility for all spectators.
The final stage would upgrade the oval’s lighting for night matches to AFL standards, sheltered spaces for better weather-protected viewing areas, safety nets to protect fans, new scoreboard and canteen.
Playford Council said the footy grounds attract around 2000 fans each senior home match, with Mayor Glenn Docherty adding the redesign aimed to “open the space to broader community use”.
“Elizabeth Oval is more than a sporting ground – it’s a landmark in the north, and this plan sets out a vision that better reflects its role in our growing community,” Mr Docherty said.
“This is about making Elizabeth Oval a venue people feel proud of, connected to and welcome in, and that invites the community in, beyond major sporting events.”
A 178-space car park on the western side of the revamped oval – added during the first stage – is designed to prioritise safety.
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Originally published as Elizabeth Oval, Central Districts home-ground in Adelaide’s north, to undergo $79m upgrade
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