A WORLD class,  multi-purpose training and sports science precinct planned for Alberton Oval could up and running by the time Port Adelaide Football Club celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2020.

The proposed development was announced today by Port Adelaide Chairman, David Koch and SA Premier Jay Weatherill at the JLT Cup pre-season match at Alberton Oval.

It includes:

• Construction of an Aboriginal Centre of Excellence
• A new high performance centre
• Development of a secondary training and rehabilitation field
• A new Port Club containing a visitor centre and museum
• Upgrades to the Fos Williams Family Stand.
• Development of a Premiership Walk at the entry to the oval and facilities

Facilities will include a new swimming pool, gymnasium and a function centre which will also be available to the local community, while spectator amenities at the ground will be upgraded.

Mr Koch said the development would give Port Adelaide an outstanding, leading edge training facility and provide a major boost to recreational facilities in the local community.

“Planning is now well advanced and we hope to be in a position to start work later this year,” he said.

“We have already commenced discussions with the local council and will begin community consultation in the next few days.”

Mr Koch said that as part of the development, Alberton Oval would be slightly realigned to enable vacant ground behind the oval to be incorporated into a secondary training field.

“The entire development will be contained within the current Alberton Oval precinct and is designed to set Port Adelaide up for ongoing success,” he said.

Mr Koch said a key component of the development was the Aboriginal Centre of Excellence designed to assist young Aboriginal people transition from high school to further education and the workforce.

“We have already received $4 million from the Federal Government towards the cost of the centre as well as today’s pre-election commitment from the Premier,” he said.

“The centre will be a key part of the redevelopment and is part of Port Adelaide’s long-term commitment to creating positive futures for Aboriginal children.”

Mr Koch said further announcements about funding for the development would be made later this year.

“We will keep our members and the local community fully updated throughout the process,” he said.

“This is an incredibly exciting step forward, not just for our club, but for the people in our community.

“Our vision for this precinct is for Alberton oval to be a dynamic representation of our club and the district as a whole – high performing, innovative, educational, socially engaging and community-centric.”