Alice Springs’ Gillen Oval Transformed with Multi-Sport Precinct

A long-awaited upgrade to Alice Springs’ sporting infrastructure is underway, with tenders now open for the design of a new multi-sport precinct at Gillen Oval. The project, supported by the Finocchiaro CLP Government, aims to enhance amenities for local football, soccer, and touch football players, as well as provide improved facilities for families and spectators. The precinct, situated next to Centralian Middle School, will include multipurpose training fields, updated change rooms, toilet blocks, a canteen, shaded viewing areas, and additional car parking.

Minister for People, Sport, and Culture Jinson Charls emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure that fosters youth development, increases participation, and strengthens communities in Alice Springs. He highlighted the role of sports in bringing people together and providing local clubs and schools with a space to train, compete, and connect. Minister Charls underscored the significance of the Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct in supporting clubs and schools to expand and thrive.

Minister for Lands, Planning, and Environment Joshua Burgoyne echoed the sentiment, stating that the project aims to engage children, provide necessary space for clubs, and revitalize the vibrant lifestyle of Alice Springs. He emphasized the project’s commitment to delivering tangible results for the community and supporting local networks, youth involvement, and active lifestyles. The precinct is designed to be inclusive, community-oriented, and accessible to individuals of all ages, promoting both participation and volunteering.

The new facilities at Gillen Oval are set to be a shared hub for grassroots sports, coaching clinics, and family outings, fostering community engagement and physical activity. The project aligns with the government’s focus on action, certainty, and security, providing a platform for clubs and schools to flourish and contribute to the social fabric of Alice Springs. Construction is slated to commence after the design phase is finalized, with an estimated timeline of approximately 12 months for completion.

In parallel, Jim McConville Oval is undergoing upgrades, including the installation of four new light towers by the end of 2025. These lights will enable year-round use of the oval, particularly during cooler months and evening training sessions—a development long-awaited by local clubs. The enhancements at Gillen and McConville Ovals signify a strategic investment in sports infrastructure that transcends mere entertainment, embedding sports into the future landscape of Alice Springs.