An additional four courts will be provided (inclusive of a show court for smaller events), which will take the Wayville venue to a seven-court basketball facility overall.

Demolition of existing buildings took place in February and March this year followed by construction of the new facility (civil works) starting in May and structural steel construction commencing in October.

The State Government’s $15.8 million investment in the project is part of its continued efforts to grow sport and recreation in South Australia.

The project has been a collaborative effort between Basketball SA, the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA and the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing.

The new centre will become the headquarters for Basketball SA, SA Country Basketball, Wheelchair Basketball SA and SA Church Basketball.

Basketball SA Chairman Wade Burns said his organisation was thrilled to be part of this landmark development which will open its doors to everyone.

“The State Basketball Centre is a great result for players of all ages and standards,” Mr Burns said.

“Basketball’s popularity continues to grow state-wide, with some clubs experiencing participation growth by approximately 30 per cent.

“It’s also very pleasing that we can continue to provide playing and training areas for the basketball community during construction, as the adjacent three indoor courts at the Wayville Sports Stadium will remain available throughout the redevelopment.”

The facility will also provide wider community benefits through collaboration with the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA (RA&HS), who will use the State Basketball Centre during the Royal Adelaide Show each year as they currently do with the Wayville Sports Centre.

RA&HS Chief Executive Officer Will Rayner said he was excited for the facility’s next chapter which will make it fit for dual purpose.

“The Show Society is delighted to see the progress of the development and to continue working with the Government of South Australia and state-based community bodies such as Basketball SA, to maximise the multi-use of joint facilities at the Adelaide Showground,” Mr Rayner said.

“Delivering this high standard facility is a fine example of what can be achieved by working together in South Australia.”

Basketball SA and the RA&HS have also contributed to the project, investing more than $1,135,586 and $134,050 respectively.

Construction on the State Basketball Centre is expected to be completed by early May 2023.