The South Australian National Football League (SANFL) has successfully concluded negotiations for the handover of its lease at Thebarton Oval. With these agreements now in place, the SANFL has cleared the pathway to establish a new Talent development facility adjacent to Football Park at West Lakes.
SANFL Chief Executive Officer, Darren Chandler, announced that the project’s design and construction team will now move forward to finalise the drawings with the intention of commencing construction before the year’s end. The proposed development carries an estimated cost of $26 million and aims to foster local talent through robust infrastructure.
The facility, anticipated for completion by the end of 2025, is set to feature an array of amenities designed to support the development of sport in the region. This includes an indoor training area, a gymnasium, various education and function spaces, and offices for talent management. Chandler highlighted the facility’s intended use, stating that it will cater to SANFL’s state male and female under-16s and under-18s, as well as First Nations and multicultural talent development programs.
In a statement, Chandler shared, “We can now look forward to seeing this exciting project for our best male and female athletes, and for the future of football in South Australia, finally come to life over the next 18 months.”
As part of the negotiated arrangements, SANFL will maintain access to Thebarton Oval for its talent programs until the end of September. This will provide an interim solution while the new facilities at West Lakes are under construction. The recent development follows the acquisition last month of a 42-year lease for the non-exclusive use of Football Park oval, primarily used by the Adelaide Football Club, from the City of Charles Sturt.
The ongoing development efforts by SANFL are expected not only to enhance the sporting infrastructure but also to significantly contribute to the nurturing of local sporting talent. The facility is strategically placed next to Football Park at West Lakes, embracing the deep-rooted sporting culture of the area while expanding on the opportunities available for emerging sportsmen and sportswomen in South Australia.
More News
