A long-awaited upgrade will soon be in motion at Kensington Wama/Kensington Gardens Reserve, with the City of Burnside leading a complete rebuild of the ageing clubrooms that have served the community for more than seven decades.
South Australian builder Partek Construction & Interiors has now been appointed to deliver the redevelopment, which will see the existing facility demolished and replaced with a modern, accessible building designed to meet the needs of local sporting clubs and the wider community well into the future. Works will begin in early February, with demolition scheduled from Friday 6 February and construction expected to be completed by February 2027.
The redevelopment will provide a new home base for both Burnside Rugby Club and Kensington District Cricket Club, replacing clubrooms originally constructed in stages in 1950 and 1970. Over time, the buildings have deteriorated and no longer meet contemporary sporting, accessibility, or community standards.
City of Burnside CEO Julia Grant said the decision to rebuild was driven by the condition and limitations of the existing facilities. “The current clubrooms are in poor condition, lack modern amenities, and are not suitable for junior and female cricket and rugby players,” Grant said. “This redevelopment will ensure the clubrooms meet community and club needs into the future.”
Importantly, the project is designed to deliver benefits well beyond match days. The new facility will include a gym and modern change rooms that can be used by the broader community, alongside a main clubroom space that can be configured as a function venue or flexible fitness and training studio. A bar and canteen will also be accessible from both inside and outside the building, opening up the space for events, gatherings, and casual use by reserve visitors.
Grant said the redevelopment would also unlock greater participation across age groups and genders. “The new facility will enable increased participation of women and junior players across both cricket and rugby, something that is currently limited by the condition of the existing clubrooms,” she said. All facilities will be compliant with current accessibility and sporting requirements.
The project represents a significant investment in community infrastructure, funded through a collaborative mix of council and government support. The Federal Government has contributed $3.6 million, with a further $2.67 million from the South Australian Government’s Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing. The City of Burnside has committed $2.9 million to the project.
Construction impacts have been carefully managed to keep the reserve largely accessible. Temporary fencing will be installed around the clubroom building, internal carpark, and part of the internal road from Tuesday 3 February. Most of Kensington Wama/Kensington Gardens Reserve will remain open throughout construction, including the public toilets located near the Burnside Adventure Playground.
Once complete, the redeveloped clubrooms are set to become a modern, flexible hub for sport and recreation in Burnside.
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