South Australia
The redevelopment of Memorial Drive completes a 10-year transformation of one of Adelaide’s most loved sporting and performance venues.
Blending a rich history with contemporary new form, the re-imagined ‘Drive’ provides a major showcase of tennis and events, set within the context and intimacy of the existing southern stand and red brick arches that characterise the site. The project connects Memorial Drive to the Adelaide Oval Plaza, further enhancing the public realm offering and enhancing the activation of Riverbank.
This project marks a highly successful collaboration with our client Tennis SA. The Drive’s evolution has created a new benchmark for sporting and event facilities that celebrate their site, location and context.
Commendation for Public Architecture
Memorial Drive Centre Court Stage 2 seamlessly links to Adelaide Oval logistically and formally. The archways, and ivy-covered walls of the heritage façade pay homage to the past. Flexibility and innovation underpin the design, enabling use for sporting events, training and Tennis SA operations, as well as music events and functions throughout the year. The project increases activation of the precinct and delivers municipal value to the City of Adelaide.
The redevelopment of The Drive has maintained the intimacy of the venue for tennis, concerts, and community events. Importantly, the upgrade of the new grandstands compliments the historic South Stand from both an aesthetic and usability perspective. Spectators feel part of the action and can be as close to professional tennis as anywhere in the world.
The design and material selection honours the surrounding precinct and provides a range of spaces that take advantage of the precinct and city views. The spaces are highly flexible while still being a functional and efficient home for Tennis SA.
Philip Roberts, President
Zoe King, Director
AECOM, Project Management
Alexander Symonds, Building Surveyor
Arup, Façade Engineer
Buildsurv, Certifier
LUCID, Mechanical, Electrical, Hydraulic, Fire, ESD, Acoustic, Vertical Transport Engineering
WGA, Structure & Civil Engineer
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
