Work on West Lakes Sports Club’s redevelopment is now underway, marking the beginning of a major upgrade to its facilities, design, and infrastructure.
First announced in 2022 by South Australian Treasurer Stephen Mullighan, the $3 million project aims to enhance the clubrooms and better serve the community. In 2024, the SA Footy Facilities Fund contributed an additional $150,000 towards the redevelopment.
“We’re extremely grateful for the funding and the vision of our local member and state treasurer, Stephen Mullighan. His vision and support have been instrumental in bringing this project to life,” West Lakes Sports Club secretary Brett Hidson told Club Management.
“The $150,000 grant also just solidifies the support of the peak bodies this project needs. We’re really pleased and thankful because without these investments, we just wouldn’t be able to achieve this.”
Designed by Walter Brooke Architects, the redevelopment will include a mix of new construction and renovations to existing structures. The project will introduce two new universally designed change rooms, a new canteen, enhanced spectator viewing of the oval, and a new bar and back-of-house facilities.
There’ll also be a multipurpose room with increased social space, and an improved indoor-outdoor transition from the clubhouse to the oval viewing areas. The umpires changerooms will also be interconnected to meet new AFL/SANFL requirements.
The club has opted for a single-storey design to prioritise inclusivity, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. This approach also allows for greater flexibility, making future modifications or expansions simpler without the structural challenges of adding more floors.
“We currently only have two changerooms at the moment and this project will mean we’ll have four,” Hidson said.
“Given that the club is expanding, particularly with girls and women’s teams in football, AFL and baseball, the additional changerooms are vital. It will make the facilities and its environment more friendly and safe for those groups in particular.”
The redevelopment is expected to be completed later this year.