Master Plan unveiled for NT Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct

The Master Plan for the Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct has been unveiled by the Northern Territory Government, taking the state-of-the-art upgrade a step closer to reality. 

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is investing $14.5 million to get the first stage of works underway to transform Gillen Oval – located next to Centralian Middle School – into a versatile hub for year-round sports in Alice Springs. 

Following the release of the Master Plan, development of a detailed site design can begin, with construction expected to commence in the second half of 2026 and completed in 2027. 

“It’s exciting to see how the plans are shaping up. Everyone knows how sports-mad we are in this town, and this precinct will be a hive of activity every week of the year. 

“In November 2024, the CLP Government committed to developing new sporting facilities in Gillen for the Alice Springs community – we are delivering on that promise. 

“We’re getting our economy back on track, turning the tide on crime, and restoring our unique Territory lifestyle, just like we promised Territorians,” Treasurer, Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure, and Member for Namatjira Bill Yan said. 

“This is exactly the kind of practical, long-term investment the CLP Government is focused on delivering,” Minister for Sport Jinson Charls said. 

Artist impression of the project (source: NT Department of Logistics and Infrastructure)

Key features of the Master Plan include: 

• A multi-purpose large, irrigated greenspace adaptable for a wide range of youth sports (seasonal line marking, removable goals) 

• School access: exclusive use during school hours 

• Culturally appropriate, inclusive and accessible change room and toilet facilities 

• Canteen, first-aid, drinking water, office and storage facilities 

• Increased car parking, bike racks, shade and landscaping to optimise available space 

• Pedestrian access to Jim McConville Oval 

This Master Plan has been shaped by relevant strategic documents to ensure sport-specific compliance and quality, and it reflects the needs as well as priorities of key stakeholders while also considering community feedback. 

“We heard great feedback from young people in Central Australia who wanted additional sporting fields to facilitate greater participation – this precinct will deliver the facilities they asked for. 

“We’re creating opportunities for young people to connect, learn, and grow while supporting coaching and volunteering opportunities. We can’t wait to see it all come together,” Minister for Lands Plannign and Environment, and Member for Braitling Joshua Burgoyne said. 

“We’ve long advocated for additional green space to be activated and developed in Alice Springs – we approached the CLP Government about the potential of this site because our sport desperately needs room to grow. 

“The Gillen Oval Multi-Sport Precinct will open exciting new opportunities for our clubs MiniRoos, MiniTillies and Junior players and provide a quality training facility for our academy players and emerging Matildas and Socceroos preparing for their national tournaments,” Football NT Vice President Nicole Jervis said. 

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Northern Territory Government – Department of Logistics and Infrastructure (1, 2); Inside State Government