Project timeframe

Major construction works commenced in the first quarter of 2012. All parties are working towards Test cricket being played at the venue in the summer of 2013/14 and for AFL games to be played at Adelaide Oval in the 2014 season. Cricket will be played at Adelaide Oval throughout the construction period.

The following is a summary of the key construction activities and expected start and completion dates.

The builder

Baulderstone Pty Ltd was awarded the construction contract to redevelop Adelaide Oval in October 2011.

Baulderstone is one of the largest building and engineering companies in Australia and brings to the project extensive experience gained building Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium. At its peak Baulderstone will have more than 800 people working on the redevelopment of Adelaide Oval.

The footbridge

Following the completion of the Riverbank master plan, the State Government appointed a consortium led by engineering firm Aurecon and comprising designers Taylor Cullity Lethlean and architects Tonkin Zulaihka Greer to design the footbridge across the River Torrens.

The bridge will launch from directly west of the Dunstan Playhouse at the level of the Adelaide Railway Station concourse. The northern landing point will create an extended plaza area linked on event days to the redeveloped southern entrance of the Adelaide Oval via the closure of War Memorial Drive.

Construction of the bridge is expected to start in early 2013.

Stadium capacity

The Adelaide Oval incorporates a seating capacity of 50,000. The new Southern and Eastern stands will seat about 14,000 and 19,000 respectively while there are also 3000 new seats in front of the northern mound.

Oval heritage

Protecting the heritage and beauty of Adelaide Oval Is paramount to the redevelopment project.

The revamped northern mound now boasts 2100 square metres of grass, complemented by almost 900 square metres of timber decking which winds its way through the Moreton Bay fig trees to create a unique viewing platform. And, the area is of course highlighted by the famous heritage scoreboard.

The redevelopment is also considerate of the views that have long been a part of coming to the Adelaide Oval and several carefully designed gaps in the architecture in the north and east will ensure the oval remains carefully integrated into the surrounding parklands.

Environment and parklands

A comprehensive Construction Environmental Management Plan is a key element of the Adelaide Oval redevelopment. It will ensure construction activities do not adversely impact upon the environment, indigenous and non-indigenous heritage, local and neighbouring communities and construction workers. This plan will be continually monitored and updated throughout the life of the project.

The redevelopment provides the opportunity to revitalise the surrounding parklands through landscaping, improvements to footpaths, new park furniture and works to improve drainage and turf management.

The State Government is working closely with the Adelaide City Council to develop a comprehensive landscaping plan. A Sustainability Management Plan is also in place to ensure the facility maximises the use of renewable and recyclable resources while minimising energy and water use as well as waste generation.

Car parking

There are thousands of existing city-centre car parks and car park areas within the immediate parkland precinct that are traditionally available on event days. It's expected the number of precinct car parks available to tailgate parties will be sufficient for those who wish to continue that part of their day out.

There will be a limited number of on-site underground car parks to service non-event day activities and to provide for essential services, staff, players and officials on event days.

In addition, supplementary park and ride opportunities from other venues such as the Entertainment Centre and other existing car parking facilities are being investigated.

Traffic investigations of the precinct using engineering modelling software have been undertaken. With some alterations to intersections and sequencing of lights, the traffic can be managed to provide acceptable through traffic movements and exit times from car parks.

Public transport services

The State Government is putting together a comprehensive transport strategy to make it easier and more convenient for people to travel to Adelaide Oval. Full details will be released as they come to hand.

FIFA compliance

Adelaide Oval will comply with the key aspects of the FIFA requirements including; lighting, a levelled playing field, media facilities, change rooms including a players mixing zone and security. Modifications would need to be made to make the oval fully FIFA compliant, including building temporary stands on the northern mound.

Employment

This project creates significant employment opportunities for South Australians. With a project of the scale of Adelaide Oval, it is anticipated the vast majority of sub-contracting jobs will be awarded to South Australian firms and local workers. With the diversity of skills and trades required throughout the project, it is a commercial advantage to maximise the employment of local tradespeople.

Both the Department for Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and Baulderstone, as the project contractor, are committed to meeting a target of 15 per cent of employment on this project creating opportunities for local people who might otherwise experience employment barriers including specific disadvantaged groups.

The 15 per cent figure relates to the Workforce Participation and Skills Development government policy that applies to all significant government construction projects. This policy states that for major projects of certain expenditure 15 per cent of onsite labour hours must be dedicated to the employment of people such as:
- apprentices and trainees
- cadets
- people identifying themselves as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
- unemployed people returning to the workforce
- people with disabilities
-skilled migrants seeking work
Hours spent in upskilling activities are also included in this target.