Glandore Oval upgrade

January 2026 project update

We are pleased to advise that the City of Marion Council has partnered with Blu Built to deliver the Glandore Oval upgrade project.

Works are expected to take 12 months to complete, with on-site works set to commence from 21 January with the following initial activities:

Preliminary on-site investigations (underway)
Site establishment (February 2026)
Demolition of Existing Clubrooms and the Dragons Den building (February 2026)

December project update

We are pleased to advise that the project has now received planning approval.

Subject to selection of the preferred contractor, works are expected to start in late January 2026 and be completed by late 2026 / early 2027.

Final upgrade plans

Background

Glandore Oval is a key multi-purpose sports and recreation facility in the northern area of the City of Marion that is well-used by the local community.

The facility is home to community organisations and sporting clubs including the Adelaide Cricket Club and Westminster Old Scholars Football Club. Additionally, Black Forest Primary School has the right to use the oval and cricket nets at certain times under an arrangement with Council.

Whilst Council has made some upgrades to the site over the past five years, the clubhouse is ageing, and the site is in need of improvements.

Oval Precinct Plan

The goal of the Glandore Oval Redevelopment is to create a multi-functional site, including a new sports clubroom that meets the needs of site user groups. In addition, the project will provide recreational facilities for the broader community.

The project will integrate the clubroom with the site and the surrounding area, preserve the oval, improve parking, and pedestrian access to ensure the facility's long-term sustainability.

The State Government of South Australia is co-funding the project with Council providing $5 million through a 2022 State Election commitment.

Key deliverables for the precinct plan include:

Review the site and consider options for improved facilities.
Provide a new multipurpose building to support the sites activities
Integrate the design of the proposed facilities into the broader planning and development of the site and its surroundings.
Retain and improve the oval layout where possible.
Plan for improved traffic management and car parking, pedestrian/cyclist movements and connectivity.
Improve community safety.
Accessible Amenities: Provide accessible toilets and changing rooms and pathways, ramps, and seating areas that are wheelchair-friendly.
Female-Focused Facilities: provide changerooms and facilities to support the growing participation numbers in junior ages groups and women’s ‘teams.

How can I get involved?

If you have any questions you can email the project team at: glandoreoval@marion.sa.gov.au or call on 8375 6600.

News Feed

Timeline

Timeline item 1 - complete

Community consultation - Stage 1

This engagement is to inform the community of the project and provide an opportunity for early feedback. Survey closed October 23, 2023.
Timeline item 2 - complete

High level concept design (November 2023 - January 2024)

Using initial community feedback, the design consultant will complete initial site concept designs.
Timeline item 3 - complete

Community consultation - Stage 2 (February / March 2024)

Initial concept design presented to the community for feedback.
Timeline item 4 - complete

Review of community feedback
Timeline item 5 - complete

Community Feedback Report noted at General Council

Council Members noted the feedback at the 23 April GC meeting.
Timeline item 6 - complete

Site landscape and building concept design

Community feedback received on the concept design is being considered as design work progresses.
Timeline item 7 - complete

Community consultation - Stage 3 (9 October - 30 October 2024)

Draft site and building floor plan released for community consultation.
Timeline item 8 - complete

Review of community feedback

Community feedback will be reported to council on Tuesday 10 December ahead of proceeding to detailed design.
Council members noted the feedback report.
Timeline item 9 - complete

Detailed design

December 2024 - mid 2025
Timeline item 10 - complete

Plans submitted to Plan SA

Public notification period is open from 29 September 2025 to 20 October 2025.
Timeline item 11 - active

Construction works

Late January 2026 to January 2027.

Documents

FAQs

1. How have the key themes from the first round of consultation been addressed?

2. Why can’t the clubroom be located on the eastern side of the oval?

When will the playground next be updated?

3. Has the Council explored the option of using the empty block on the corner of Margaret Street and South Road?

4. What benefits will the new facility provide?

5. How is the project being funded?

6. What further opportunities will I have to provide my feedback?

7. Will the T2D impact on the Glandore Oval Development?

8. What are the next steps?

9. How do I contact the project team?

1. How have the key themes from the first round of consultation been addressed?

Key feedback themes on the initial concept plan	Planning response
Clubhouse location	Relocating the clubhouse was considered but was assessed as not being feasible due to a number of factors (refer to question 2 for more information). The proposed building will be on the northwestern side of the oval. This site has a number of advantages: Clubroom position is the same as the existing building. Building connections can be made to existing services. No impact on regulated trees. Retains the community court in the existing location. No impact on the cricket nets or rose garden. Offers spectator protection from bad weather in winter and doesn’t face into the afternoon sun in summer. Provides sufficient space to develop the inclusive facilities needed to support the growth in female and junior sports.
Retaining a community court, playground, rose garden and cricket nets	The community courts will be retained and the playground will remain in its current location. The Rose Garden and cricket nets will not be impacted by the development.
Preserve the oval for community club sports and general community use	There will be no change to the oval in the proposed concept and the oval can continue to be enjoyed by the community for dog walking, exercise, or sports.
Minimising noise from the upgraded facility	The building will feature acoustic treatments designed to reduce noise from internal services and general facility use. This includes soundproofing materials, insulation, and acoustic louvers, which will help minimise sound transmission while allowing for ventilation. In addition, perimeter screening with plants will be installed to further reduce noise from the facility. These combined measures will help create a quieter environment for the surrounding community while maintaining the building's functionality and comfort.

Key feedback themes on the initial concept plan	Planning response
Improved landscaping	The landscaping improvements will include perimeter screening with new trees and plants, accessible pathways connecting key areas, and aesthetic enhancements to create a welcoming environment. These changes will enhance the visual appeal, and functionality of the site while promoting sustainability using native plants and eco-friendly irrigation. Overall, the landscaping will contribute to a more attractive and environmentally friendly space for the community to enjoy.
Improve car parking around the site	Improved car parking will be introduced through: • 11 additional spaces on Margaret Street, • 5 new onsite spaces, • Line marking to formalize parking on the southern side of Margaret Street. Whilst these changes will assist to ease parking and congestion, we acknowledge it may not fully resolve all traffic management challenges for those living nearby. To further improve on the existing conditions Council will work with the sporting clubs and social media channels to disseminate parking information to club members and visiting teams to adhere to parking requirements in and around Glandore Oval.
Improving security and lighting and linkage to parking on Margaret Street with a new boundary path	Increased lighting and security will be addressed in the detailed plans as the designs progress. Smaller buildings and shed will be removed. The new boundary path will improve access to the clubrooms for people of all abilities parking on Margaret Street.

2. Why can’t the clubroom be located on the eastern side of the oval?

Establishing a clubroom on the eastern side would incur higher costs compared to the current site in the northwest corner.
The current building services are situated in the northwest corner. Relocating them to the southeast would escalate project expenses.
Development on the southeastern side would encroach upon tree protection zones within the site and impact on the rose garden.
The community court would need to be relocated incurring additional expense.
An eastern location wouldn’t be optimal for viewing sports due to southwest weather and afternoon sunlight.
Shelters for sports would be necessary on the western side of the oval.

When will the playground next be updated?

The playground is in our outdoor plan and scheduled for an upgrade in the 2034-2035 financial year.

3. Has the Council explored the option of using the empty block on the corner of Margaret Street and South Road?

There is currently an active development application for a display home at this location. If it was available then the budget required to purchase the land would likely be an issue.

4. What benefits will the new facility provide?

The new facility offers several key improvements to the local area, including:

Aesthetically Pleasing Design: The modern, architecturally designed building will significantly enhance the visual appeal of the area, replacing outdated structures with a contemporary facility that complements the surrounding landscape.
Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD): The new building will feature energy-efficient systems, water-saving technologies, and environmentally responsible materials, creating a greener, more sustainable space that benefits the whole community.
Support for Women's and Children's Sports: The facility is designed to accommodate the growing demand for women’s and children’s sports, helping to foster inclusivity and community pride. The increased focus on diversity in sports participation strengthens the local culture.
Community Safety Improvements (CPTED): The removal of older, deteriorating structures and the integration of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles will create a safer environment. Better lighting, clear sightlines, and increased activity in the area will reduce the risk of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
Neighbourhood Revitalisation: Overall, the redevelopment will contribute to a more vibrant, modern neighbourhood, improving public spaces and making the area more welcoming for both residents and visitors. The new facility is expected to positively impact the local area making the neighbourhood more desirable to live.
Incorporation of Public Art: As part of the project, public art will be included, celebrating local culture and adding unique character to the area. These artworks will not only enhance the space but also provide a sense of identity and community pride.

5. How is the project being funded?

Council has received a co-funding contribution of $5 million from the State Government towards the project following an election commitment from the Member for Badcoe. Council is focused on ensuring the project scope is delivered effectively within the allocated budget.

6. What further opportunities will I have to provide my feedback?

This current round of community engagement (3rd stage) provides you with the opportunity to provide feedback on the updated design, that will help inform our detailed design works.

We encourage you to complete the online survey on Making Marion or attend an information session at Glandore Oval to provide your feedback to the project team.

Council will publish the final detailed design before construction, which is scheduled for the second half of 2025. Consultation closes on 30 October 2024.

7. Will the T2D impact on the Glandore Oval Development?

Council is communicating with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT). The plan that is currently available at https://www.t2d.sa.gov.au/ indicates that Glandore Oval will not be impacted by the T2D project.

Council will be exploring opportunities with DIT for linkages to potential additional open space recreation areas and recreation infrastructure as the Torrens to Darlington Project continues to progress.

8. What are the next steps?

Following this round of consultation the remaining stages and estimated timelines are shown below.