Turning the sod: Construction begins on 39 Smith Street recreation centre
The much-anticipated redevelopment of the 39 Smith Street recreation centre is officially underway, with Council and key stakeholders gathering for a turning of the sod ceremony to mark the start of construction.
This milestone follows years of planning and community engagement to deliver a brand-new recreational facility for local residents. Council has engaged Hutchinson Builders, a leading construction company known for delivering high-quality stadiums and gymnasiums, to bring the project to life.
Mayor Melissa Jones said the redevelopment will transform the site into a modern, multi-purpose facility that will cater to a wide range of sports and community activities.
“This project is a significant investment in the future of our community. The new recreation centre will provide much-needed space for basketball, netball, badminton, volleyball, gymnastics, dance and community events,” Mayor Jones said.
“We’re excited to see this project progress and look forward to delivering a high-quality facility that will serve our community for years to come.”
The new facility is made possible through co-funding from the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR) and State Member for Adelaide, Lucy Hood MP.
Project highlights:
- A two-court indoor stadium for basketball, netball, badminton and volleyball.
- Spaces for gymnastics, dance, community events and meetings.
- A small kiosk area for snacks and beverages.
- A modern, accessible design to cater to a diverse range of users.
- Environmentally sustainable features, including solar panels to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint.
- Landscaping within the expanded car park, including mature trees and planting to provide shade and reduce surface heat.
“I’m proud of our government’s contribution to this facility which has been planned with accessibility in mind and will provide an inclusive space where the community can come together,” Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Emily Bourke said.
“Having a recreation centre which can facilitate an array of activities gives local residents more opportunities to enjoy the physical, mental and emotional benefits, and sense of belonging that comes with being active.”
Member for Adelaide Lucy Hood MP said, “After campaigning for years to see this site returned as a community, sport and rec hub, and securing $5 million from the Malinauskas Government for the new development, I am thrilled to see construction get underway.
“Together with the Town of Walkerville, we will deliver a high-quality recreational facility that local residents deserve, and that will keep them fit, active and connected to community.”
Demolition of the existing facility was completed in late October 2024, allowing for detailed site and soil investigations before construction.
The redevelopment will also include a new Council works depot, constructed as a separate project behind the recreation centre. The depot will have a smaller footprint to accommodate the larger recreation centre, while maintaining essential Council operations.
Council expects to open the new facility to the community by the end of 2025.
For media inquiries, please contact Town of Walkerville Group Manager Public Relations, Sarah Spencer, on 0478 408 789 or sspencer@walkerville.sa.gov.au.