The Finocchiaro CLP Government has announced a guaranteed $2 million commitment to commence the anticipated phase one upgrades of Darwin’s historic Gardens Oval.
This initial funding delivers certainty for stage one works to upgrade the ageing grandstand and rundown changeroom facilities so the multi-sport venue can better support local players, officials, and spectators.
While the broader redevelopment vision is estimated at $8 million, the CLP Government’s upfront investment is a catalyst to commence immediate works on the critical infrastructure upgrades.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has today announced a guaranteed $2 million commitment toward the long-awaited redevelopment of Gardens Oval, one of the Territory’s most historic sporting precincts.
The commitment represents the first major government investment into the precinct in more than a decade and delivers certainty to allow the project to move forward through a staged redevelopment approach focused on the most urgent priorities.
The initial stage will prioritise redevelopment of the ageing grandstand and changeroom facilities to ensure the precinct can continue supporting players, officials, volunteers and spectators for years to come.
Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls highlights the funding as a crucial first step toward revitalising the historic venue.
“While we understand this is an $8 million vision, this is about delivering certainty and getting the project moving which all stakeholders will need to agree on going forward. The Finocchiaro CLP Government is putting real money on the table today so the most urgent work can commence as soon as possible.
“Gardens Oval is one of the most historic sporting venues in the Northern Territory. Generations of Territorians have played, watched and celebrated sport here, and this investment helps secure that legacy for future generations,” Minister Charls said.
Member for Fannie Bay Laurie Zio said as a former AFL player the need for upgraded and modern changerooms is a priority.
“The precinct is used by thousands of Territorians and the current grandstand change rooms are not fit for purpose. They require upgrades and do not adequately support the growing participation in sport, particularly women’s sport, and that is why I made it one of my election commitments on coming to government.
“This investment will help ensure the precinct can continue to support local sporting clubs, community groups and community events for years to come, and the allocation of these funds demonstrates our Government’s commitment to keeping its word and delivering the infrastructure our community needs,” the Member for Fannie Bay said.
Head of AFL Northern Territory Sam Gibson said:
“Gardens Oval plays a significant role in the football landscape in the Territory and has done so for a very long time. This commitment is an important first step in strengthening the infrastructure that supports the thousands of Territorians who play at the venue every year.
“Importantly, these works will establish the base for further upgrades that are required to enhance facilities for players, officials and supporters, and ensure that the remarkable growth our game has experienced across Darwin continues.”
Northern Territory Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey welcomes the funding announcement noting Gardens is one of Australia’s most iconic suburban cricket grounds.
“Gardens Oval has been home to Waratah Cricket Club since 1957, hosted Australia’s third ever Women’s T20 International in 2007, and more recently has welcomed a host of BBL Franchises and visiting international cricket teams as part of the growing Top End T20 Series.
“Cricket in the NT has never been more popular and this investment helps ensure Gardens Oval 1 and 2 is capable of catering for cricket’s rapidly growing female and multicultural communities.”
The broader redevelopment vision for Gardens Oval, which is a facility owned and operated by City of Darwin includes future priorities such as:
· Refurbishment of existing changeroom and grandstand infrastructure.
· Infrastructure upgrades to support year-round use and participation.
· Lighting and match-day infrastructure for Oval 2.
· Long-term development of Oval 2 as demand and participation continue to grow.
The redevelopment is expected to support increased participation, improve community access, modernise ageing infrastructure and strengthen the precinct’s ability to host AFL, cricket and broader community activities.
Gardens Oval is home to AFL NT, Cricket NT, Waratah Football and Cricket Clubs, Banks Football Club, as well as a wide range of local sporting and community users, making it one of Darwin’s most significant multi-sport facilities.
