Council to consult community on $2m Unley Oval fence designs
The City of Unley will ask members of the community for their input on four potential designs for a contentious perimeter fence around Unley Oval.
Councillors last night voted in favour for a motion to move ahead with the consultation phase of an investigation into whether or not to install a perimeter fence around Unley Oval.
Community engagement will commence in June 2025 for three weeks to gauge support for one of four perimeter fence designs, with feedback to be used to inform the final design.
Council would still need to vote for or against actually pursuing the project at a later date, with multiple councillors last night emphasising that this process is an investigation into erecting a fence, rather than a vote for or against building the infrastructure.
Unley Council commenced preparation of design options for a permanent fence around Unley Oval in September last year, despite some resident opposition to the idea of a fence entirely.
A fence around the oval was removed in the late 1980s when Sturt Football Club moved its home games to Adelaide Oval.
Sturt returned to Unley Oval at the start of the 1998 SANFL season after Port Adelaide was accepted into the AFL, and in a letter sent to residents at the time said it would put up temporary fencing for match days, noting then that permanent fencing was “not an option”.
Much of the southern half of Unley Oval is already enclosed by a fence, and the council is investigating extending the existing fence from Trimmer Terrace along Frederick Street and connecting with the lawn tennis facilities on Langham Terrace.
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Designs were presented to elected members in March, with three options considered for fencing along Frederick Street.
Options one and two both have brickwork pillars, but option three have sliding parts and garden beds incorporated into the design. This picture: Greenway Architects/via City of Unley
Option one is a permanent fence with gate openings and brick pillars that reflect the heritage of the oval, which is outlined to have a lower cost and easier maintenance, but restrict access and impact the amenity of the oval.
A close-up of a portion of option one. This picture: Greenway Architects
Option two is a fence with brick pillars and temporary infill panels, which would have an ongoing cost, but maximises the access to the oval.
A close-up of option two. This picture: Greenway Architects
Option three has permanent panels with regular openings, designed to align with the look of the oval’s new toilet block and plaza. It will require ongoing maintenance and change the amenity of Frederick Street, but have easy access generally and on event days.
Option three has double door sliding elements.
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Council last night voted in favour of amendments whereby a fourth option will be prepared by administration and presented to the community.
This fourth option – yet to be designed – will be a “permanent fence with regular spaced gates around Unley Oval appropriate to the current match-day alignment, without brick pillars and arches”.
Council administration said the preliminary cost estimate for the perimeter fence was between $1.8 million and $2 million.
“This estimate includes the Langham Terrace, Trimmer Terrace, and Frederick Street frontages, as well as standard on-costs and a contingency allowance,” council documents read.
“The difference in construction costs between Frederick Street Fence Option 1 and Options 2 or 3 is estimated to be less than $200,000.
“It should be noted that this cost also incorporates the arch in Frederick Street as well as the brick pillars proposed. If Council chose to instal a more decorative fence with heritage lacework etc, the cost will be more.”
The fourth, yet-to-be-designed option, is expected to be cheaper than the preliminary price tag of $2 million attached to the other three options, as it will not include the bricks, pillars and arches.
Council will engage with Sturt Football Club – a key stakeholder in the project which spends about $30,000 per year on temporary fencing for match days – to explore funding opportunities toward the construction of the perimeter fence, should the project be approved. This would include discissions with sporting bodies and both Federal and State government agencies.
Parkside Ward Councillor Jennifer Bonham attempted to move a motion to end the investigation altogether last night, seconded by Cr Chris Crabbe, but was unsuccessful.
Just Bonham, Crabbe and Cr Rebekah Rogers voted against last night’s motion to move to the consultation phase.