The NT Government has earmarked $2 million to initiate the long-delayed first stage of the redevelopment of Darwin’s Gardens Oval.

The $2 million investment secures essential funding for immediate upgrades to the aging grandstand and deteriorating change room facilities, as the first phase of a larger, staged redevelopment project estimated to cost $8 million in total.

Gardens Oval is a significant multi-sport facility owned by the Darwin City Council, predominantly used by the Waratah Cricket Club, the Waratah Football Club, and the Banks Bulldogs Football Club.

The government’s investment represents the first substantial funding for the site in more than 10 years, ensuring continued support for players, officials, and fans in the area, the government said.

“While we understand this is an $8 million vision, this is about delivering certainty and getting the project moving, which all stakeholders will need to agree on going forward,” Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls said. “The Finocchiaro CLP Government is putting real money on the table today so the most urgent work can commence as soon as possible.”

The overall redevelopment plan for Gardens Oval, managed by the City of Darwin, includes several key future priorities, including:

• Renovation of the current change room and grandstand facilities.
• Upgrades to the infrastructure to facilitate year-round usage and participation.
• Installation of lighting and match-day amenities for Oval 2, and
• Long-term development of Oval 2 in response to increasing demand and participation levels.

The renovation aims to increase participation, expand community access, upgrade outdated infrastructure, and enhance the precinct’s capacity to host AFL, cricket, and a wide range of community events.

AFL NT head Sam Gibson said the venue is important to the local football scene and that the government’s commitment is a significant first step towards improving the infrastructure for the many Territorians who use the venue each year.

“Importantly, these works will establish the base for further upgrades that are required to enhance facilities for players, officials and supporters, and ensure that the remarkable growth our game has experienced across Darwin continues,” he said.

NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey said that the venue has been the Waratah Cricket Club’s home since 1957. It hosted Australia’s third Women’s T20 International in 2007 and has served as a venue for various BBL franchises and international teams, helping grow the Top End T20 Series.

“Cricket in the NT has never been more popular, and this investment helps ensure Gardens Oval 1 and 2 are capable of catering for cricket’s rapidly growing female and multicultural communities,” Mr Dovey said.