The $9.26 million Phillip District Enclosed Oval Pavilion. Image: ACT Government.
A new multi-million dollar enclosed sports complex has opened its doors in Canberra’s south – just in time for the winter season.
Sporting groups in Phillip have praised the completion of the new Phillip district enclosed oval pavilion, which had its official opening ceremony on the weekend.
The Woden Valley Rams, one of the sporting groups who will be calling the new complex home, celebrated the occasion.
“The improved facilities with extra dressing rooms will be of great benefit to the Rams community, which has seen an explosion in participation at all levels of the game, especially in female participation in both tackle and league tag,” chairman of the Rams Steve Hicks said during the official opening.
The $9.26 million development means south-side athletes will get to enjoy games with improved seats, change rooms and lighting over the winter months, as well as a number of improvements to their existing facilities.
The complex has LED lighting to allow for more night games, alongside improvements to maintenance, facilities and common area upgrades aimed at improving player experiences.
Visitors will also get to enjoy the refurbished Michael O’Connor Grandstand, additional parking, and a new kiosk on site.
Yvette Berry (centre in purple) at the opening of the Phillip Oval, Photo Yvette Berry
Sports Minister Yvette Berry opened the new building on Saturday, declaring the grounds iconic and a much-loved Canberra facility.
“These upgrades will deliver a facility that meets the growing needs of local sports clubs and provides a welcoming space for the wider community to engage in sport and recreation.” Minister Berry said.
A key development highlighted by the government was that the improvements include all change rooms now being fully compliant with the Territory’s female-friendly change-room requirements.
“We’re seeing the need for upgraded facilities, including more inclusive and female-friendly sports facilities,” Ms Berry said ahead of construction last year.
The development has been underway since 2021 after the territory government committed $7.5 million during the 2020 election
Construction commenced in August last year after the ACT government completed consultation with several local sporting groups, including Canberra Royals Rugby Union, Woden Valley Rams Rugby League Club and Weston Creek Molonglo Cricket Club, which had lobbied for improvements to what were described as inadequate facilities.
The development is part of a wider ACT Government initiative to upgrade sports facilities in the capital with funding going towards local oval improvements in suburbs across the city.
Phase 2 of the upgrades to the Phillip Oval are set to commence 6 July, with improvements to playing surfaces and more upgrades to existing facilities according to the Minister.
