Backing away from Bonython Park threats
by Shane Sody
A State Government team planning the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Park 27 of your Park Lands has played down earlier threats that most of Bonython Park / Tulya Wardli would be subjected to construction activity over the next eight years.
In a document released last month, the WCH project team identified an area of 19 hectares that would be subject to "large scale excavation works" while the new hospital was being constructed, up until 2031.
The State Government’s “expanded area” of 19 hectares that will be subject to “large-scale excavation works” during the eight-year construction period for the proposed new Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
The targeted 19 hectares includes the area between the Bonython Park kiosk and Port Road, the area surrounding the circular model boat pond, and the open, grassed area often used by circuses and music festivals.
Work is due to commence later this year, and is scheduled to last until the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital is completed in 2031.
There were fears that this land grab would have ended the hopes of beach volleyball coming to Bonython Park.
Approved ‘in-principle’ by the City Council: the layout of proposed beach volleyball courts, and APA’s proposed area of re-greening, off Port Road in Bonython Park / Tulya Wardli (Park 27). The site is currently used for car parking.
APA was also concerned that these “large-scale excavation works” would have made it impossible to carry out our 'UnPaving Paradise' plans to restore a bitumen car park opposite the Thebarton tram stop.
However, recent correspondence from the WCH project team has played down these concerns.
Project officer Michael Scerri has advised APA that:
“The New WCH, along with the associated car park and central energy plant, will be centred on the existing SAPOL barracks site and the area immediately east towards the rail corridor.” [i.e. Kate Cocks Park, off Gaol Road] .
“The area beyond the immediate Project Site will address ancillary works to support the hospital, inclusive of:
Port Road widening and intersection creation
Installation of new shared user path bridges to support better cyclist connectivity
Minor upgrades to some localised existing Bonython Park paths to support Adelaide Gaol access
Underground infrastructure services primarily alongside Port Road and within immediate surrounds of the hospital.
Mr Scerri has advised that “with respect to the former netball courts in Bonython Park I can confirm that the New WCH has no plans to impact on this area.”
This is welcome news both for Volleyball SA and APA, and should allow separate plans for beach volleyball courts, and our UnPaving Paradise re-greening to both go ahead on this neglected paved area.
The State Government’s seizure of Park Lands for the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital was rushed through State Parliament in November 2022, with minimal debate.