$2.5million West Beach Recreation Hub unveiled: to support grassroots and University of Adelaide Clubs

Adelaide University Sport and Fitness (AUSF) and the University of Adelaide has opened a $2.5 million recreation hub at West Beach.

The West Beach Recreation Hub will promote growth in sport and will assist in increasing the number of sporting events that can be held throughout the year. These facilities will be available for AUSF clubs and local external organisations to hire from the beginning of 2022, and include unisex changerooms, umpire amenities, a fitness room, two training/board rooms, clubrooms and a full kitchen.

“We are excited to launch this new facility providing modern unisex facilities for our clubs and their members. This space will enable our clubs to grow and expand, so more people can enjoy the benefits of sport and recreation.” Michelle Wilson, General Manager of AUSF.

“We are excited to launch this new facility providing modern unisex facilities for our clubs and their members. This space will enable our clubs to grow and expand, so more people can enjoy the benefits of sport and recreation,” said Michelle Wilson, General Manager of AUSF.

Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard said: “The Marshall Liberal Government is proud to have contributed $675,000 to build the new hub as part of our $400 million investment into sport, benefiting the thousands of people who use the site every week.

“Through these new facilities, we’re supporting the future of sport by increasing recruitment and retention of not only players, but umpires and officials as well,” Minister Wingard said.

“This project aligns with the State Government’s Game On initiative to get South Australians moving, where we’re providing high quality and accessible public open spaces for active recreation.”

The facility will be home to the Adelaide University (AU) Hockey Club, AU Cricket Club, AU Soccer Club, AU Scuba Club, AU Gliding and AU Mountain Club.

“We are excited to capitalise on the many opportunities presented by the West Beach facility upgrade, and to see our humble ‘boat shed’ transformed into a hive of social club activity,” said Ben Melville of the AU Mountain Club.

Ben Hilliard of the AU Cricket Club said: “We are very excited about the new facility at West Beach and look forward to utilising it for our pre-season, training and social functions.”

The West Beach Recreation Hub project would not have been possible without the support from the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing’s Grassroots Cricket, Netball and Football grants; the University of Adelaide Student Services and Amenities Fee capital grant, AUSF club contributions, and generous donor support.

The Recreation Hub was opened today by The Honourable Corey Wingard MP, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing; Matthew Cowdrey, MP Member for Colton; Professor Peter Høj, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide; David Penn, AUSF President; and representatives from SACA and SANFL.