THE Port Adelaide faithful have a new home – and it’s every bit a triumph.
Bespoke features of The Precinct at Alberton were unveiled this week, as the social club redevelopment enters the final phase ahead of a June opening.
Taking design cues from its iconic surrounds, the modern-industrial venue is a homage to the Club’s 152-year tradition - and its unique connection to Port Adelaide’s maritime history.
Fusing the past and present was of utmost importance to builder Brendon Henman and his team when it came to fulfilling the design brief.
The result is a remarkable new space that couldn’t feel further from its 1958 predecessor – in the very best way.
"The amount of work, thought and effort that’s gone into this building is nothing short of phenomenal," Henman said.
"The change for the community and members is immense; there’s natural light, huge windows – it’s pretty amazing."
Overlooking the hallowed turf, where 37 premierships were fledged, The Precinct at Alberton’s oval-facing facade was revealed on Monday.
Steel cut frame bi-fold windows reach up to the ceiling and open onto a viewing and entertainment deck laid with jarrah. The mesh balustrade – handcrafted and welded on site – is set into posts cut from 160-year-old pylons that once held up the Port River wharves (more on that next week).
The interior palette comprising polished concrete, timber, stone, pressed red bricks, and steel is used throughout to reference Port Adelaide’s maritime roots, while touches of green bring the outside in. Founded in 1870, the Club originally was formed for the benefit of local wharf workers.
At the heart of The Precinct is a vast staircase that takes visitors from the downstairs Port Store and interactive museum – designed to emulate a locker-room - to the upper-level bar, kitchen, and event spaces.
A glass keg room, wine closet, meat-smoker, central fire, giant television screens, and what is believed to be the biggest trophy cabinet in the southern hemisphere, are among other features.
"We’ve spent thousands of hours, literally, getting the design right; it hasn’t stopped - everything has a reason and a purpose to create a sense of history, tradition and community," Henman said.
"Let’s say I live for 80 years; this is the year I won’t forget."
The build began early 2021, after months spent poring over ideas and rendering plans, sometimes through the night. At one stage, Henman slept in a caravan onsite at Alberton. He figured time spent commuting was time lost on the build.
Port Adelaide’s SANFL Marketing Manager Linda Crabb has been a constant, arriving at dawn each day to oversee the project and pitch in 'til late.
"I’m not a massive football fan but you can’t help but love what the building has become – it’s impossible not to. No matter who you are, it’s a place for everyone," Henman said.
"All the people who donated money towards the build did so for the members because this is what they wanted to see – a place to go, unlike any other, that truly gives them a sense of belonging.
"We’ve tried to do it justice, and we’re feeling very tired, but it will be good to walk away knowing we leave behind a story within."
Building supervisor and carpenter James Marshall has followed Port Adelaide since he was a boy. His passion for the build is matched by memories of his SANFL heroes building eras of unparalleled success.
"I remember in the early ‘90s going to Footy Park and seeing the SANFL boys win a flag and touching the Cup as they did their lap around the oval with Scotty Hodges – I thought it was the best thing ever," he said.
"This has been a unique job to work on. If we build a house, it’s usually for one family, and we hand it over and never see it again. But this is for one very big family with 60,000 members, so it’s pretty cool.
"You try and go the extra mile where you can, put your heart and soul into it a bit more, and hope it’s going to be here for a long time."
*Bookings for The Precinct at Alberton are now being taken. For all private event enquiries please email functions@pafc.com.au.
