Following meticulous internal work, large demolition machines are now in use with the full process expected to take approximately eight months to complete.
The stadium structure is being demolished to make way for a 100-bed Uniting SA aged care facility, a planned Council library, childcare centre, fresh food outlet and café and shopping strip.
“The demolition process started some weeks ago, but now that the structures are dropping it’s all starting to feel a little more real,” said SANFL CEO Jake Parkinson.
“It’s an exciting moment because it means we’re another step closer to transforming this much-loved asset into a future fund for football in South Australia.”
The $1 billion WEST development will eventually be home to 1300 dwellings, a cosmopolitan café and dining strip, food outlets and public open spaces.
“It’s great to see the transformation of this precinct progressing at pace,” said Chris Menz, Group General Manager Communities for Commercial & General.
“There’s already a great sense of community here, with approximately 200 residents already calling WEST home, and it will be even better when the new Charles Street town centre and state-of-the-art Uniting SA aged care facility take shape.”
Adelaide Football Club will continue to have access to the training surface and training facilities throughout the demolition, while SANFL will retain its presence on site with the ongoing operation of the Checkside Tavern and maintenance of office space.
Demolition facts:
- Football Park (as it was originally known) was built by SANFL for $6.6 million in 1973, with the first game being played in May 1974 between North Adelaide and Central District.
- Demolition works have started in the north-east corner of the stadium, with the light towers to be dismantled and removed in the coming months.
- Demolition of the stadium structure will involve the removal of approximately 60,000m3 (or more than 100,000 tonnes) of concrete and rubble, the majority of which will ultimately be recycled into road bases and construction footings within Adelaide.
- The Adelaide Football Club will continue to have access to the training surface and training facilities as per their agreement with SANFL which runs until 2048.
- SANFL’s Checkside Tavern will continue to operate as usual throughout the demolition process. The adjoining wall connecting it to the current stadium structure will be removed and replaced to ensure its long-term future.
- The remainder of the 23.5 ha site – which is bound by West Lakes Boulevard to the north, Frederick Rd to the east, the former Brebner Drive to the south and Turner Drive to the west – is being developed by Commercial & General.