City of Darwin has opened an engagement process to capture the community’s views on a proposal by AFL NT to construct a new change room complex at Nightcliff Oval.
Nightcliff Oval is the home ground for Nightcliff Football Club and Nightcliff Cricket Club and, due to recent membership growth, both clubs have found that the existing change rooms are not sufficient to accommodate all players on game days.
City of Darwin has provided in-principle support to AFL NT for construction of the proposed new change room complex, and Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said Council was looking forward to hearing the community’s opinions.
“A key project in the Nightcliff Oval Masterplan is the proposed fit-for-purpose, four-room change room complex at Nightcliff Sports Club proposed by AFL NT,” Mr Vatskalis said.
“The new complex aims to provide a safe and inclusive environment for oval users,” he said.
The proposed facility aims to create a secure and enjoyable space for participants; provide a welcoming environment for spectators and volunteers and increase participation in local sports.
“The proposed plan is to create gender-neutral facilities that support the demand of community groups as well as creating opportunities to develop partnerships with other community groups to use the space,” Mr Vatskalis said.
City of Darwin works with peak bodies to support plans for the use, development, and management of sporting ovals, and AFL NT and Cricket NT have both supported the proposed upgrades to the Nightcliff Oval Precinct, which form part of the Nightcliff Oval Masterplan.
The concept design for the proposed facility includes four change rooms, two accessible toilets, two trainers’ rooms, a medical room, an office, and a canteen and storeroom.
AFL has pledged $250,000 towards the project, and AFL NT is currently seeking government funding and private donations to fund the remainder of the project.
A number of projects have already been completed as part of the Nightcliff Oval Masterplan with the installation of oval lighting and the construction of new facilities including a storage shed, canteen and tiered seating.
The community engagement process closes at 3pm on Monday 5 February 2024. The online survey is available via engage.darwin.nt.gov.au/nightcliff-oval-changeroom.
