[COM] Memorial Drive upgrade

All high-rise, low-rise and street developments in the Adelaide and North Adelaide areas.
Message
Author
User avatar
Ho Really
Super Size Scraper Poster!
Posts: 2675
Joined: Sun Aug 27, 2006 3:29 pm
Location: In your head

[COM] Re: Memorial Drive upgrade

#41 Post by Ho Really » Fri Jan 30, 2015 11:16 pm

crawf wrote:
Ho Really wrote: Patrick_27 you obviously didn't read my statement. The Entertainment Centre is perfect for those events that need plenty of room. Are you suggesting that events like motorcross or Disney on Ice should be performed at the a new Memorial Drive centre?
Why not?. These type of events are performed at the new Perth Arena


crawf, in an utopian world you could build whatever you want, wherever you want. Problem is you haven't got the money to do all this.

The first thing is you need a lot more land than just the current tennis stadium. You need Next Gen and maybe a little more. You may have to underground car parks, underground or reallign War Memorial Drive. Then make sure you don't run events concurrently with Adelaide Oval or at the Riverbank. Having too much in a restricted area is going to cause you a logistical problem. That's also why I prefer two venues as suggested.
Right now we have substandard venues for major concerts/events, basketball and tennis. So wouldn't it make more economic sense to construct a large multi-purpose arena (13-15k capacity) for those tenants which will be beneficial to the state but also attract other international events to Adelaide. This could include the FINA World Aquatics Championships, Commonwealth Games and perhaps pouching the Kooyong AAMI Classic from Melbourne.
Putting all your eggs in one basket and being big is not always best crawf. Why do you want to attract swimming to Memorial Drive if you already have a FINA approved venue like Marion? As for the Commonwealth Games it will be a waste of taxpayer money. It will only be good for the State's ego but nothing else. As for poaching the Kooyong Classic, I doubt that very, very much. The director of that event is Colin Stubs. He used be the director here of the Men's Hardcourt Championship. What do you think, will he relinquish what he has in Melbourne for Adelaide? Instead put your hope in Mark Woodforde and Roger Rasheed (great guys mind you) that some how they can build a tournament good enough to attract (poach) top players here. Again, it's prizemoney and sponsorship we need. It's a chicken and egg thing.
Adelaide Oval is a great example of merging events to one venue. Previously we had two substandard stadiums; one was pretty, well located but had limited capacity. The other was a concrete bowl in the suburbs with poor facilities but had decent capacity. However combing both cricket and AFL to Adelaide Oval, allowed the State Government to spend a huge sum of money towards one stadium, which in the process has transformed Adelaide Oval into a premier multi-purpose stadium with outstanding facilities but also keeping that unique historic charm. This is why I believe a multi-purpose arena will be just as successful.
Adelaide Oval is fine for Aussie Rules in winter and Cricket in summer. Not good for any other sport played on a rectangular field. You are too far away from the pitch and only those high up in the stands get the best views albeit at a distance. Also the drop in cricket pitch is a nuisance! So in regards to Football (Soccer) and the Rugby codes you need at best a fully covered, all-seater rectangular stadium that will assure you of two things: 1. Major tournaments (like Asian Cup which has gone to buggery!). 2. Spectactor comfort and enjoyment.
Either way a new tennis or multi-purpose venue is still probably another 5 years away. In the meantime the State Government should look at bidding to host the Davis Cup at the Entertainment Centre just to bring that tennis momentum back to SA.
Perhaps in 5 years or so. Where the Davis Cup is played depends on tactics, whether it is best played outdoors in the heat and on grass and not indoors on Rebound Ace!

Cheers
Confucius say: Dumb man climb tree to get cherry, wise man spread limbs.

User avatar
Ho Really
Super Size Scraper Poster!
Posts: 2675
Joined: Sun Aug 27, 2006 3:29 pm
Location: In your head

[COM] Re: Memorial Drive upgrade

#42 Post by Ho Really » Fri Jan 30, 2015 11:18 pm

Patrick_27 wrote:Whilst I recognise your seemingly well-informed perspective, we'll have to agree to disagree. My credentials are a degree in entertainment management and having worked extensively across all of Melbourne's live music venues, including as an intern at Olympic Park - Rod Laver Arena.
Much appreciated for clarifying this. We'll definitely use your expertise in this field!

Cheers
Confucius say: Dumb man climb tree to get cherry, wise man spread limbs.

User avatar
Ho Really
Super Size Scraper Poster!
Posts: 2675
Joined: Sun Aug 27, 2006 3:29 pm
Location: In your head

[COM] Re: Memorial Drive upgrade

#43 Post by Ho Really » Fri Jan 30, 2015 11:24 pm

crawf wrote:
Nathan wrote:Would it have to be co-located with Adelaide Oval? Something along the lines of Perth Arena would probably work pretty well in the vacant area near the bus station as an additional drawcard for the Victoria Square / Market precinct. (Plus it would remove the issue of not being able to have events on at the same time at both Memorial Drive and Adelaide Oval.)
Good idea. Would the site be large enough though?

The best location for a new Adelaide Arena would of been the corner of North Terrace and Morphett Street. Which could of had a western entrance to the Adelaide Railway Station facing the arena, giving it superior access to public transport.

But oh well.
An indoor sports arena/concert hall anywhere over the railway yards west of the Morphett Street Bridge would do. On this site you could do a lot of things. I suggested a bus/train interchange way back when I first started posting on S-A. Even a Gallery of Modern Art with a plaza would've been nice opposite the Adelaide Convention Centre extension.

Cheers
Confucius say: Dumb man climb tree to get cherry, wise man spread limbs.

dsriggs
Legendary Member!
Posts: 512
Joined: Mon Oct 20, 2008 12:18 am

[COM] Re: Memorial Drive upgrade

#44 Post by dsriggs » Fri Jan 30, 2015 11:36 pm

crawf wrote:The best location for a new Adelaide Arena would of been the corner of North Terrace and Morphett Street. Which could of had a western entrance to the Adelaide Railway Station facing the arena, giving it superior access to public transport.
:wallbash:

User avatar
Ho Really
Super Size Scraper Poster!
Posts: 2675
Joined: Sun Aug 27, 2006 3:29 pm
Location: In your head

[COM] Re: Memorial Drive upgrade

#45 Post by Ho Really » Fri Jan 30, 2015 11:41 pm

ml69 wrote:I'm torn between erecting a boutique arena of approx 7,000 seat capacity, the size of which would suit tennis, and Adelaide's basketball and netball teams. It would also suit mid-size concerts and events, leaving larger events to the existing Entertainment Centre. Such an arena could probably fit on the existing Memorial Drive site by stealing several metres to the east and west of the current tennis courts. Of course it would also be a lot cheaper to build.

On the other hand, it would be amazing to have Adelaide's premier multi-purpose arena located at the Memorial Drive, as Crawf suggests. I think 15,000 capacity is too much however. Rod Laver Arena in Melb has 15,000 capacity, probably 10-12,000 seats is more suitable for Adelaide. This will require the demolition of Next Gen or realignment/removal of Memorial Drive in front of the arena.

Either way, in order to stage a proper ATP tennis tournament, it would need to be an opening/closing roof so it can be run as an outdoor tournament.

I can't see any major issues in running events at Adelaide Oval and Memorial Drive concurrently. The footbridge might be slower due to the extra 10-12,000 people at Memorial Drive, but no insurmountable issues.

Whether we build a boutique arena or the full-blown one, it will be a hit with the public. The fantastic location will ensure that.
Go for the venue you can afford...the smaller one...and keep a backup in the Entertainment Centre. If the venue is smaller you'll logically have less congestion when running events concurrently.

Any central location with good access, public transport, car parking and pre- and post-event amenities will be successful with the public.

Cheers
Confucius say: Dumb man climb tree to get cherry, wise man spread limbs.

crawf
Donating Member
Donating Member
Posts: 5523
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:49 pm
Location: Adelaide

[COM] Re: Memorial Drive upgrade

#46 Post by crawf » Sat Jan 31, 2015 1:33 am

Ho Really wrote:
crawf wrote:
Ho Really wrote: Patrick_27 you obviously didn't read my statement. The Entertainment Centre is perfect for those events that need plenty of room. Are you suggesting that events like motorcross or Disney on Ice should be performed at the a new Memorial Drive centre?
Why not?. These type of events are performed at the new Perth Arena


crawf, in an utopian world you could build whatever you want, wherever you want. Problem is you haven't got the money to do all this.
This is true. However a new tennis or multipurpose venue is still at least a few years away from seeing the light of day. The State Government still has got plenty of time to get it's finances back on track (wishful thinking I know) and create a master plan for a new venue.

I'd love for a new venue to be built right now, though the last thing this state needs is something cheap or half-arsed. Build it right, or don't build it all.
Right now we have substandard venues for major concerts/events, basketball and tennis. So wouldn't it make more economic sense to construct a large multi-purpose arena (13-15k capacity) for those tenants which will be beneficial to the state but also attract other international events to Adelaide. This could include the FINA World Aquatics Championships, Commonwealth Games and perhaps pouching the Kooyong AAMI Classic from Melbourne.
Putting all your eggs in one basket and being big is not always best crawf. Why do you want to attract swimming to Memorial Drive if you already have a FINA approved venue like Marion?
Marion is a great venue. Though I believe it could be too small to host a major swimming event such as the FINA Aquatic Championships. Melbourne had the same problem in 2007, and how they overcame the capacity issue was constructing a temporary pool at Rod Laver Arena. Adelaide could do something similar... that's if a new venue is built ofcourse.

This is just one example of what could be held at a new large arena
Image
As for the Commonwealth Games it will be a waste of taxpayer money. It will only be good for the State's ego but nothing else.
I disagree. Sure it's not a A-grade event, but it's still a major competition that would bring exposure to SA and help spur improvements towards infrastructure and sporting facilities. Even if it did just boast the state's ego only, then that would be a success IMO considering how confidence is so low here.

If we are not careful after 2018, Perth could get the next Australian hosting rights. Which could mean most of us will unlikely see an Adelaide Comm Games in our life time.
monotonehell wrote:
[Shuz] wrote:I would think any redevelopment of Memorial Drive would go in hand with a second Riverbank footbridge.
No sure if serious.
It's not that crazy. A second footbridge alongside Morphett Street is included in the riverbank master plan.

User avatar
omada
Donating Member
Donating Member
Posts: 686
Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 10:03 am
Location: Eden Hills

[COM] Re: Memorial Drive upgrade

#47 Post by omada » Mon Feb 02, 2015 3:04 pm

A swanky new stadium would be fab, but where is the state govt meant to conjure up all the money? For each sports stadium built, there is less money for other, oft essential, infrastructure like monorails! (hehe). Or trams etc

User avatar
monotonehell
VIP Member
VIP Member
Posts: 5466
Joined: Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:10 am
Location: Adelaide, East End.
Contact:

[COM] Re: Memorial Drive upgrade

#48 Post by monotonehell » Mon Feb 02, 2015 3:08 pm

crawf wrote:
monotonehell wrote:
[Shuz] wrote:I would think any redevelopment of Memorial Drive would go in hand with a second Riverbank footbridge.
No sure if serious.
It's not that crazy. A second footbridge alongside Morphett Street is included in the riverbank master plan.
Ah I see, apologies to teh Shuz.
omada wrote:A swanky new stadium would be fab, but where is the state govt meant to conjure up all the money? For each sports stadium built, there is less money for other, oft essential, infrastructure like monorails! (hehe). Or trams etc
:banana:
Exit on the right in the direction of travel.

crawf
Donating Member
Donating Member
Posts: 5523
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:49 pm
Location: Adelaide

[COM] Re: Memorial Drive upgrade

#49 Post by crawf » Sun Feb 15, 2015 10:38 pm

Well well... If they are going to combine sports into a new large multi-purpose arena (18k capacity sounds extreme) then they should also bite the bullet and make it a concert venue aswell.
Plans to spend $200m converting Memorial Drive into multi-sport complex for tennis, basketball and netball
JESPER FJELDSTAD SUNDAY MAIL (SA) FEBRUARY 15, 2015 9:55AM
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/pl ... a952f22311

ADELAIDE Oval’s success since being rebuilt is now likely to lead to a $200 million multi-sport centre to be built next door to house tennis, basketball and netball.

The State Government is in talks with all three sports in a bid to further enhance the Riverbank sporting precinct and plans are taking shape to build a multi-sport complex on the site of the Memorial Drive courts.

It comes as Adelaide has lost its ATP tennis event to Brisbane because of the standard of the new complex built there. The move has also been prompted as the Government recognises its bids for international events are weakened because of its lack of a world-class facility.

A new, closed-roof facility would put Adelaide in a prime position to host netball Tests, international basketball and Davis Cup and Federation Cup ties.

It would also give Adelaide a chance to again convince the world bodies of men’s and women’s tennis to consider allocating an event in Adelaide.

Sports Minister Leon Bignell told The Advertiser there was not enough cash in the coffers to build the complex during the current Labor term, but that it was envisaged it could be built in a time frame of between five and 10 years.

It would be a major boost in setting up Adelaide for a bid for hosting a Commonwealth Games.

The project is shaping as a strong prospect; not only have the sports indicated their interest, the Government has also done its research by visiting other multi-sports venues around the world. The project has been likened to Rod Laver Arena, the home of the Australian Open, and it is understood the ideal crowd capacity would be around 18,000 for the Adelaide venue.

“There’s no doubt it would be great to develop Memorial Drive,’’ Mr Bignell said.

“The question needs to be: would we do it just for a tennis venue or do it for a multi-purpose venue?

“People are used to catching the train into the city now and walking across the bridge to Adelaide Oval.

“That suits your footy fans and your cricket fans and concerts.

“But in the future, and I’m not talking about next year, should we look at having netball and our national basketball teams playing next door to Adelaide Oval?

“There’s still a way to go but the days of having their own stadiums . . . it’s so expensive.

“The fact that we’ve been able to move football and cricket together has meant that we have one of the best stadiums in Australia.

“If football and cricket had decided to work apart, that they had been for 40 years, neither would be in such a wonderful stadium.

“We can do something really good with that location.

“It would become a mecca for us, where we have footy, cricket, basketball, netball, tennis and whoever else wants to play there right next to a railway line and a bridge that connects everyone.’’

fifty
High Rise Poster!
Posts: 108
Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2012 2:58 am

[COM] Re: Memorial Drive upgrade

#50 Post by fifty » Sun Feb 15, 2015 11:26 pm

I was always preferring a smaller boutique type venue - eg. Margaret Court Arena - but if the timeframe is 10-15 years, then no point going half measures. Make it large, and adaptable to also host smaller crowds. 18,000 would make it the largest of its type in Australia I'm guessing, so maybe overkill. 10-12,000 sounds about right.

User avatar
[Shuz]
Super Size Scraper Poster!
Posts: 3211
Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2011 5:26 pm

[COM] Re: Memorial Drive upgrade

#51 Post by [Shuz] » Mon Feb 16, 2015 8:25 am

I smell an election promise coming up just before March 2018...
Any views and opinions expressed are of my own, and do not reflect the views or opinions of any organisation of which I have an affiliation with.

User avatar
Ho Really
Super Size Scraper Poster!
Posts: 2675
Joined: Sun Aug 27, 2006 3:29 pm
Location: In your head

[COM] Re: Memorial Drive upgrade

#52 Post by Ho Really » Mon Feb 16, 2015 9:36 am

What do you think? Yes, it will be an election promise. Seeing Leon Bignell so excited about the India-Pakistan match at Adelaide Oval he's had a rush of blood. So please no BS talk, build the damn thing now and build it right! Build it for the sports that are going to use it. Start thinking about organising (ongoing) international events that will reap benefits to Adelaide and the state. Forget the BS about the Commonwealth Games. A one-off event that no one is interested in. Think out of the box!

Cheers
Confucius say: Dumb man climb tree to get cherry, wise man spread limbs.

Patrick_27
Super Size Scraper Poster!
Posts: 2436
Joined: Tue Mar 05, 2013 4:41 pm
Location: Adelaide CBD, SA

[COM] Re: Memorial Drive upgrade

#53 Post by Patrick_27 » Mon Feb 16, 2015 1:12 pm

fifty wrote:I was always preferring a smaller boutique type venue - eg. Margaret Court Arena - but if the timeframe is 10-15 years, then no point going half measures. Make it large, and adaptable to also host smaller crowds. 18,000 would make it the largest of its type in Australia I'm guessing, so maybe overkill. 10-12,000 sounds about right.
It'd be the second largest to Sydney Super Dome (a.k.a. Allphones Arena) which is 21,000 capacity, but if they're projecting this to be finalised for construction in the next five to ten years, 18,000 isn't too much factoring in forecasted population growth.

I'm still concerned that they haven't included live music into the fixtures of this proposed venue. I feel it's nothing more than politics because the current Labor government know that the Liberals would eat them alive for spending so much on an upgrade of the AEC if there was already consideration being made for a new multi-purpose arena in the city. Truth is, with the projected completion of such a venue - I feel the AEC would already be due for further upgrades anyway. So why not think ahead?

User avatar
ChillyPhilly
Super Size Scraper Poster!
Posts: 2588
Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2008 11:35 pm
Location: Kaurna Land.
Contact:

[COM] Re: Memorial Drive upgrade

#54 Post by ChillyPhilly » Mon Feb 23, 2015 12:41 pm

Upgrade Hindmarsh first. That's more urgent.
Our state, our city, our future.

All views expressed on this forum are my own.

obituary resider
High Rise Poster!
Posts: 103
Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2013 10:33 pm

[COM] Re: Memorial Drive upgrade

#55 Post by obituary resider » Mon Feb 23, 2015 2:30 pm

While we are on the subject of pipe dreams and Hindmarsh Stadium, if the entertainment centre was to relocated to memorial drive (which it surely would if a multi-purpose venue is proposed) then it would free up land that could be used to create a footballing (soccer) complex around/adjacent hindmarsh stadium while also providing better linkage with the tram stops. Which would also mean the flashy dome thing outside the EC could still be used!

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Google Feedfetcher, lolololololol69 and 72 guests