Waite Redevelopment
Following a recently major gift of $500,000, we are moving closer to the significant redevelopment of the Waite Clubrooms as part of the proposed masterplan for Waite Oval. The project is scheduled to commence in 2025 pending the achievement of external funding targets.
The proposed new clubrooms will be over 1,000m2 and offer participants four new unisex changerooms with adjoining showers and toilets, a high-performance gym, recovery facilities, referee rooms and a first-aid room. The clubs and athletes who will directly benefit from the upgrade include rugby, touch football, soccer, softball, cricket and gird iron.
“We’re a large and diverse community, including students, adults, kids, all genders, all sexualities, and many different cultures. It isn’t just about running around with a ball on Saturdays; we're creating a welcoming, healthy space for everyone, not just in terms of getting out there and becoming fit and strong, but also for growing as a person in emotional and psychological safety,” Kim Evans said.
Your gift
Your gift today to the University of Adelaide towards the proposed Waite Redevelopment is a valuable investment in our community. Any gift to the University of Adelaide for this purpose will be used to support improvement of the Waite Campus sporting facilities.
Matched Donor
We would like to thank xxxxxxxxx, for matching donations to the Waite Redevelopment received on or before 5 September 2024, up to $x0,000.
About the development
The proposed first stage of the redevelopment will also see new social spaces including a function room, bar, café, kitchen, undercover viewing terrace and public toilet facilities. This stage is estimated to cost $8M, of a $13M total project. The following proposed stages of the project will see the adjacent playing fields completely resurfaced, with a new irrigation system installed. High lux sports lighting will illuminate the perimeter and keep the games going well after dark, offering more and safer training opportunities.
Michelle Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Adelaide University Sports and Fitness Association, said the broader community access the grounds to walk their dogs or be active with their kids because it really is a picturesque location.
“In the new facility we'll have a café offering, with revenue helping future-proof the clubs that use that space. This will also allow the sports association to maximise the venue’s potential and connect the community into campus in a positive way,” Michelle said.
“It will improve the student experience and provide an important place of connection for alumni,” she said.
Evans has been involved in rugby for 25 years, and with University sports for almost a decade, and is excited about what this redevelopment means for the future.
“The Waite Campus is the jewel in the crown. It's internationally recognised for its world class research and teaching. When Peter Waite gifted this wonderful site to the University in 1913, he specifically set aside this corner for University sport – quality sporting facilities were part of his grand vision for the precinct. This project will help this amazing campus reach its broader potential,” Kim said.