Northern Territory Cricket has welcomed the The Finocchiaro CLP Government $2 million commitment to kickstart the long-awaited redevelopment of Darwin’s historic Gardens Oval precinct.
The funding marks an important first step in the broader redevelopment journey, helping build momentum toward stage one works focused on upgrading the ageing grandstand and changeroom facilities.
Gardens Oval has long played a significant role in Territory cricket, serving as the home of Waratah Cricket Club since 1957, hosting Australia and New Zealand in a women’s T20 International in 2007, and continuing to play an important role as a regular Top End T20 Series venue for elite domestic and international teams.
Northern Territory Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey welcomed the funding announcement, noting Gardens is one of Australia’s most iconic suburban cricket grounds.
“Gardens Oval has been home to Waratah Cricket Club since 1957, hosted Australia’s third ever Women’s T20 International in 2007, and more recently has welcomed a host of BBL Franchises and visiting international cricket teams as part of the growing Top End T20 Series.
“Cricket in the NT has never been more popular and this investment helps ensure Gardens Oval 1 and 2 is capable of catering for cricket’s rapidly growing female and multicultural communities.”
The $2 million commitment represents the first major government investment into the Gardens Oval precinct in more than a decade and provides an important foundation for progressing the project.
While the broader redevelopment vision is estimated at $8 million, the initial funding will help address urgent infrastructure priorities and support future stages of the redevelopment.
Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls highlights the funding as a crucial first step toward revitalising the historic venue.
“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. The Finocchiaro CLP Government is putting real money on the table today so the most urgent work can commence as soon as possible.
“Gardens Oval is one of the most historic sporting venues in the Northern Territory. Generations of Territorians have played, watched and celebrated sport here, and this investment helps secure that legacy for future generations,” Minister Charls said.
Member for Fannie Bay Laurie Zio said the need for upgraded and modern changerooms is a priority.
"The precinct is used by thousands of Territorians and the current grandstand change rooms are not fit for purpose. They require upgrades and do not adequately support the growing participation in sport, particularly women’s sport, and that is why I made it one of my election commitments on coming to government.
"This investment will help ensure the precinct can continue to support local sporting clubs, community groups and community events for years to come, and the allocation of these funds demonstrates our Government’s commitment to keeping its word and delivering the infrastructure our community needs," the Member for Fannie Bay said.
The wider redevelopment vision for the City of Darwin-owned and operated facility includes:
- Refurbishment of existing changeroom and grandstand infrastructure.
- Infrastructure upgrades to support year-round use and participation.
- Lighting and match-day infrastructure for Oval 2.
- Long-term development of Oval 2 as demand and participation continue to grow.
Gardens Oval is home to a range of sporting and community users, including Northern Territory Cricket, AFL Northern Territory, Waratah Cricket Club, Waratah Football Club and Banks Football Club.
The redevelopment is expected to support increased participation, improve community access, modernise ageing infrastructure and strengthen the precinct’s capacity to host cricket, AFL and broader community activities into the future.