Work underway at $6M Whyalla Sports Hub
The Malinauskas Government has started construction of a new state-of-the-art sporting facility in Whyalla, expected to deliver a boost for regional clubs and increase participation in local sport.
The $6 million Whyalla Sports Hub will transform the Whyalla Secondary College site to support young athletes and their families across the Spencer Gulf.
The shared-use development, accessible to local clubs and associations, includes:
- New clubhouse with change rooms, kitchen, social space and referees’ room
- Upgrading the two existing soccer pitches and AFL oval
- New fencing, lighting, goals and nets
- Improved amenities and landscaping
The new hub, located in the centre of Whyalla, will ensure a modern and high standard for clubs, including the Whyalla Soccer Association and Whyalla Junior Soccer Association, helping them to expand and get more youth active.
Female AFL players are also expected to use the oval and new change rooms as part of the upgrade.
During her visit to the construction site, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Rhiannon Pearce said the project would enable more people to participate and stay connected through sport.
“We are delivering on our commitment while backing in the Whyalla community – from the steelworks to sport, our Government is investing in the city’s long-term prosperity,” Minister Pearce said.
Football SA is partnering with the State Government to deliver the project, which has been led by Member for Giles Eddie Hughes.
Mr Hughes said his government recognises the importance sport plays in regional communities and “that is why we continue to invest in great facilities like this”.
Mayor Phill Stone said it was fantastic to see the State Government continuing to invest in Whyalla’s future to make it a better place in which to live.
“This is an ideal location for a shared-user space, as it will activate the centre of our city and complement the existing sporting facilities at the Whyalla Secondary College to cater for the broader community,” Mayor Stone said.
“It presents a perfect opportunity for sports like junior soccer and women’s footy to access a first-class facility in the heart of our city to support their future growth.”
Football SA CEO Michael Carter said his team was looking forward to delivering programs for local youth in partnership with the Whyalla Secondary College and council.
“The project will leave a legacy for the region and will enable the city to attract high-level events into the future,” Mr Carter said.
Thorne Constructions has been selected as the builder, with a focus on employing Whyalla sub-contractors where possible to support local jobs. Preliminary works have commenced, with project completion expected by the end of 2026.
