I think the best thing they can do is bulldoze the place and start again! This is the perfect opportunity to build a boutique arena with a retractable roof in the heart of the city. Something similar to Margaret Court Arena would be perfect. Anyway we'll have to wait and see what they come up with. Hopefully this is the beginning though!
http://mobile.news.com.au/national/sout ... 7191696853A MUCH needed upgrade of Memorial Drive tennis precinct is a step closer following a major funding coup for Tennis SA this month. Tennis SA will shortly engage a consultant to begin a masterplan for an upgrade of the rundown complex within a month, following funding from the State Government. A new masterplan is the latest development in a long-running debate on the condition of the state’s premier tennis base and opens the door for a multipurpose sports hub to be built next door to Adelaide Oval, adding further vibrancy to the Riverbank precinct. Tennis SA chief executive Steve Baldas said funding for the master plan, first mooted in 2009, was a big step forward.
While he could not confirm how much the funding was worth, Mr Baldas said developing concepts would be Tennis SA’s number one focus in 2015.
“It is a major positive the State Government has committed funding to a master plan,” Mr Baldas said. Memorial Drive is lagging far behind every other state in the country in investment, infrastructure and facilities. If SA wants to continue to have a proud tradition in tennis we need to invest in the facilities and we will work closely with the State Government on any vision.”
The news comes after top players and a planning expert reignited calls to upgrade Memorial Drive last week.
Tourism and Sports Minister Leon Bignell said the State Government would not sign-off on any plan unless it was assured the state would benefit.
“The State Government won’t consider redeveloping Memorial Drive until the plan is completed,” Mr Bignell said. The government would also need assurances that world-class tennis events would be played at an upgraded Memorial Drive before any proposals to redevelop the complex are considered.”
Planning expert Kevin O’Leary said Memorial Drive needed to form part of a greater masterplan for an upgrade of the Riverbank precinct in a column published in The Advertiser last week.
Former No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, who burst onto the international stage after winning the Adelaide Hardcourt Championships in 1998 as a teenager, said a redeveloped stadium could attract world-class tennis, including Davis Cup ties. Hewitt was in town for the World Tennis Challenge which attracted 11,000 fans.
“I’d love to bring Davis Cup tennis back to Adelaide and redo this great centre at Memorial Drive,’’ Hewitt said.
World Tennis Challenge director Mark Woodforde said its practice areas, players areas and fan comfort were not adequate for the WTC or a bigger tournament.
moderator note: topic split from Adelaide Oval thread