Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Concepts revealed for AFLNT’s new Darwin Stadium plan

Concepts revealed for AFLNT’s new Darwin Stadium plan
May 21, 2021

Concept designs for a new $300 million oval-shaped sporting stadium in Darwin have been released by stakeholders in the project.

As reported by NT News, Project co-ordinator and AFLNT Chairman Sean Bowden is working with a range of architects, structural engineers and designers to put plans in place for the 25,000-seat covered stadium in Darwin’s CBD to be up and running inside a decade.

The NT News reported Bowden as stating “we’ve put together a high-level design team made up of national recognised architects and engineers.

“We’ve been working carefully to develop the concept and build it to the point where we can present it to the public for consideration.

“From that we’ll get feedback from the start of what will be a detailed consultation process.’’

Included in the list of non-charging organisations involved in the design and construction process are Studio Nield, Coordinating Architects, headed by Lawrence Neild, the former Chief Architect of the Northern Territory who was involved in the planning a number of major projects, including Sydney’s Stadium Australia and Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.

The NT News reported Bowden as saying the plans will go up on the AFLNT website tomorrow to give the public a look at the ideas and visions of the AFLNT and their stakeholders, with a view to providing input on where the venue plan are heading.

Despite the attractive designs being presented for the new venue, at this stage neither the Northern Territory Government or the Darwin City Council have made any statement of support or commitment to the project.

In addition, beyond Darwin’s hosting of one AFL game and one NRL game per season, the venue has no anchor tenant. A Northern Territory Government funded ‘scoping study’ into a potential AFL team based in Darwin and Alice Springs, tabled to the AFLNT board in September 2019e report has not yet been publicly released.

Nonetheless, Bowden was reported as stating that the venue will be “a multi-purpose stadium that will attract high level AFL games, NRL matches, IPL cricket out of India, Test and first class cricket … ‘Premier League soccer’ out of Australia and South east Asia or major events like ... Bruce Springsteen or Fleetwood Mac (concerts).”

He went on to advise “we think Darwin and the Northern Territory are ready for what we regard as the perfect concept.

“We want to see this stadium become the real heartbeat of the Northern Territory and something Territorians are proud of and designed with them as something iconic that also speaks to Australia and the world.’’

Earlier this year Bowden was reported as saying costings and where the money will come from would happen in the first half of 2021.

Located within the out-of-town Marrara sporting precinct, the 12,500-capacity TIO Stadium is the current home of AFL in Darwin.

Currently the Gold Coast Suns and Parramatta Eels having agreements with the Northern Territory Government to play home games at the venue.

Images: Artist’s impressions of the proposed AFL Stadium in Darwin, hosting AFL (top) and with differing roof designs (middle and below).

Related Articles

18th May 2021 - Sporting clubs endorsed to undertake upgrades to Darwin’s Nightcliff Oval

17th May 2021 - Construction commences on AFLW Brisbane Lions new stadium

6th May 2021 - AFL clubs reach one million members for 2021

19th April 2021 - AFLW’s 2021 season sees ongoing growth

6th April 2021 - Darwin’s DXC Arena benefits from new lighting system

20th March 2021 - Colin Carter appointed to review Tasmania’s case for AFL team

11th March 2021 - AFL aims for 2021 grand final to return as a full capacity daytime fixture at the MCG

17th February 2021 - Year of ‘sacrifices’ sees AFL report $22.8 million loss

17th February 2021 - 2019 taxpayer-funded study into viability of a Northern Territory AFL team remains unreleased

12th February 2021 - AFLW reaches membership record in fifth season

4th January 2021 - AFL stakeholders advance stadium plans in Cairns and Darwin

26th November 2020 - Darwin Lord Mayor calls for immediate action on Climate Change to mitigate impacts on facilities and environment

22nd July 2020 - Darwin launches four new basketball facilities

1st July 2020 - Northern Territory set for first major post lockdown event with August’s Darwin Supercars

9th April 2020 - Darwin Council commences major upgrade of sport oval lighting

19th May 2019 - New Darwin rugby league stadium gets official opening

23rd July 2018 - Upgrade program commences at Marrara Hockey Stadium ahead of Australia vs Argentina clash

16th July 2014 - AFLNT pushes for redevelopment of Darwin’s TIO Stadium

6th October 2011 - New Marrara facilties a boost for NT Cricket


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Summit Fitness

Summit Fitness Equipment is now part of NovoFit - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/novofit/

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

COMMERCIAL AQUATICS AUSTRALIA

Commercial Aquatics Australia provides aquatic solutions nationwide and is one of the largest and most experienced companies specialising in the design, construction, renovation, service, maintenance…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks

 
 

METRA Australia

With industry leading solutions in design and durability you can improve your facilities with our access control operations, payment systems and flexible personal locker storage solutions. Your…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Fitness / Recreation / Security

 
 

SimplySwim

    SimplySwim is a school management solution that helps swimming school owners and managers optimize operations by automating functions such as managing class schedules, billing and…

read more

Aquatics / Education / Recreation / Safety / Technology

 
 

ProSlide Technology

ProSlide is the global leader in water ride design and manufacturing, supplying high-performance water attractions to new and expanding water parks around the world. For over three decades, ProSlide…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Waterparks

 
 

Yellowbox Lockers

Yellowbox is an Australian technology company that has developed smart locker technology operated through an app with a focus on experience for users and facility managers. Found at Beaches, Aquatic…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Entertainment / Retail / Security

 
 

Chadson Engineering Pty Ltd

Australia’s leading manufacturer of horizontal and vertical media filters suited to all types of commercial pools, water playgrounds marine parks, aquaculture and zoos. They are an ideal…

read more

Aquatics / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

State Wide Pool Services

Known as Hydrilla since September 2020 - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/hydrilla-pty-ltd

read more

Aquatics

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business